Research Vision and Professional Competencies

Abstract

My goal as a psychology practitioner-scholar is to understand and promote the mental health of individuals in high-stress situations. I am particularly interested in how social and cultural factors can influence the development of mental health disorders. To do this, I plan to work in a setting that provides direct psychological services to individuals, such as a counseling center or a hospital. I would also like to conduct research and scholarship in order to further my understanding of the relationship between social and cultural factors and the development of mental health disorders. In order to pursue my future career as a professional psychologist, I will need to complete a high-level program at Capella University and specialize in an area of psychology, such as Social Psychology, which is relevant to my interests. Plus, I will need to obtain licensure and certification, which involves passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). To achieve my vision as a professional psychologist, I will use an action plan and develop a timeline with goals for completing my high-level program at Capella University, obtaining licensure and certification, developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for success in psychology, and understanding the ethical principles and professional standards that govern psychology practice. By creating a timeline and setting specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timed goals, I will be better able to achieve my vision as a professional psychologist.

Research Vision and Professional Competencies

My passion for psychology and its influence on mental health has been a major source of interest for me, both in my personal and professional life. I am especially intrigued by the ways in which social and cultural factors can affect the development of mental health disorders, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and other high-stress situations. My goal is to help in the area of prevention to reduce the risk of stress adversely impacting a persons mental health in a high-stress environmentwhether that is a result of a public health emergency, a professional situation, or anything else. This paper will discuss my research vision and my plan for achieving my academic and professional goals.

Application and Research Vision

My career vision as a psychology practitioner-scholar is to understand and promote the mental health of individuals in high-stress situations, such as those who are refugees, in the military, or who have experienced trauma. I am particularly interested in how social and cultural factors can influence the development of mental health disorders. To do this, I plan to work in a setting that provides direct psychological services to individuals, such as a counseling center or a hospital. Additionally, I would like to conduct research and scholarship in order to further my understanding of the relationship between social and cultural factors and the development of mental health disorders.

The readings from my Career Paths in Psychology text and the exploration of the Career Center and other resources have provided me with valuable information regarding the principles of professional practice in psychology. I have learned about the functions, responsibilities, and ethics of a professional psychologist, which will guide my work as I pursue my future vision. The information I have acquired has also informed my understanding of how to apply the findings from my literature review to my professional practice in psychology. I have become aware of the importance of understanding the context in which I am working, as well as the need to assess and address the unique needs of each individual. Furthermore, I have gained an appreciation for the complexity of the human experience, which will help me to provide more effective psychological services.

Moreover, the information gave me an invaluable insight into the various career paths that I could pursue within the field of psychology. After researching the potential roles, I was able to see how my own skills and interests could be applied to the different roles and the different areas of psychology. That helped me to focus on my current visionthe goal of preventing mental health problems related to high-stress environments. Thus, the knowledge I obtained from my readings has enabled me to gain insight on which career path I want to take and how to best prepare myself for it. My readings and explorations have given me a clearer vision of what I want to achieve in the field of psychology and how I can use...

…can make use of online resources such as webinars, tutorials and e-courses to build my knowledge and expertise. All of these options represent opportunities that can help me as I continually develop my professional skills and stay up to date with the latest trends in my field.

To assist me in accomplishing these goals with focus and consistency, I will create a timeline and set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timed goals. For example, I will set a goal to complete my high-level program at Capella University within two years, and I will set a goal to obtain licensure and certification within one year. Additionally, I will set goals or developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for success in psychology, as well as goals for understanding the ethical principles and professional standards that govern psychology practice. These will include dedicating space each month for training or extra work opportunities that can facilitate my professional development. Finally, I will set goals for understanding the accreditation practices and standards established by the American Psychological Association (APA) and other relevant organizations. Through creating a timeline and setting specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timed goals, I will be better able to achieve my vision as a professional psychologist.

Conclusion

My vision for my career as a practitioner-scholar is to understand and promote the mental health of individuals in high-stress situations, such as those who are refugees, in the military, or who have experienced trauma. I am particularly interested in how social and cultural factors can influence the development of mental health disorders. To do this, I plan to work in a setting that provides direct psychological services to individuals, such as a counseling center or a hospital. Additionally, I would like to conduct research and scholarship in order to further my understanding of the relationship between social and cultural factors and the development of mental health disorders. Overall, my goal is to use my knowledge and skills to provide quality psychological services to individuals, while also conducting research and teaching in order to advance the field of psychology. By pursuing this vision, I hope to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, while also contributing to the field of…