Profiles of competence embedded in supervisors' ratings of clinical psychology trainees: a latent profile analysis

Objectives: This exploratory study identifies competency subgroups within a Clinical Psychology trainee sample. Subgroups will reflect supervisor-rated clinical competence following first practicum placement. The study also examines demographic and placement factors associated with subgroup membership. Methods: Clinical supervisors completed the Clinical Psychology Practicum Competencies Rating Scale for 252 trainee participants. Latent profile analysis was conducted to determine if unobserved subgroups existed within the sample. Differences between subgroups in several demographic and placement factors were assessed using Bayesian t-tests. Results: Latent Profile Analysis identified two subgroups: Higher Competency and Competent. The difference between these groups was only significant in the four clinical competency domains used in the analysis (e.g. scientist-practitioner). Secondary analyses revealed that the two groups were differentiated by the number of face-to-face placement hours completed at the time of the assessment. Conclusion: The current study showed that unobserved subgroups based on competency are present within the sample of trainees. These groups differed significantly on Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment, Case Conceptualisation, Effective and Skilful Assessment and Intervention and Scientist-Practitioner competencies. This study enhances our understanding of between subgroup variations in competency attainment, extends our conceptualisation of competency profiles among trainees at first placement and helps plan training and supervision.