Abstract
M.Ed.
Entering the profession of psychology entails participating in professional roles and tasks
that deal directly with human contact and development. Therefore, practicing psychology
comprises a highly personalised nature, hence the personal self of the psychologist also
comes into play. The development of the professional and personal nature of the
psychologist occurs during different stages of becoming a psychologist. One such stage is
that of being an intern. An intern has completed the theoretical aspect of a masters in
psychology course and is involved in the practical aspect of the degree. This study
explores the stage of being a psychology intern. Therefore, the purpose of this study was
to identify the experiences of a particular group of psychology interns in relation to their
personal self and professional self. As a result a greater understanding surrounding a
particular internship experience is hoped to be achieved.
The design of the study was qualitative and involved formulating a literature review. This
literature review discusses the stages of professional development, tasks and roles and
internship experiences. This provides the theoretical framework for this study and should
enhance the understanding of the phenomenological experience of interns. Hence, the
research approach and theoretical framework adopted was based on existential,
phenomenological, ecosystemic and constructivistic principles.
Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with three psychology
interns. All participants completed their internships at the same institute in South Africa.
When this study began, I, the researcher was also an intern, thus I am one of the
participants. Data was also gained from my own personal reflective and research journal.
The literature review, together with the results of this study assist in developing an
understanding around the personal self and the professional self of the intern. It is hoped
that the information gained from this study will assist future interns in creating meaning
for their internship experiences.