Psychology students who observe experienced therapists during their training show improved ability to interact with patients, according to an Apr. 8 study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
The findings are important as clinical psychologists must be skilled in working closely with people facing mental health challenges. These interpersonal skills are essential for preventing, assessing, and treating mental health disorders.
The NTNU research group 'RISKIT' conducted a study involving 108 first-year psychology students. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one followed the standard curriculum focused on theoretical courses, while the other also attended weekly therapy sessions with different therapists over ten weeks.
"We have investigated whether this type of 'master–apprentice' training can enhance psychology students' relational skills," said Steffen André Fagerbakk, PhD research fellow at NTNU's Department of Psychology. Fagerbakk added, "We found that the students who had the opportunity to shadow therapists at work become significantly better at interacting with people afterwards." The researchers noted particular improvement in forming bonds with patients and repairing relationships when they were under strain.
While both groups showed some improvement over time, only those who observed therapy sessions demonstrated significant gains in interpersonal abilities. However, overall differences between the groups were not large enough to draw definitive conclusions.
Fagerbakk concluded, "This kind of apprenticeship learning from an experienced therapist appears to be a valuable addition to the training methods we usually use in the first academic year of study." Further studies may explore how such approaches could enhance professional preparation for future psychologists.
