Satisfaction with the Quality of University Education in Psychology in Wartime Ukraine: Group Comparison Between University Students and Graduated Psychologists
Satisfaction with the Quality of University Education in Psychology in Wartime Ukraine: Group Comparison Between University Students and Graduated Psychologists

Summary/Abstract: Objective. This paper aimed at revealing the most vulnerable or weak points in the quality of university education in psychology in wartime Ukraine that should be timely and appropriately addressed to enhance mental health care services provided by psychologists. Methods. This research focused on comparing the levels of satisfaction with Ukraine-based university education in psychology between university students studying in wartime (n=418) and earlier graduated professional psychologists (n=327) using the purposely developed 7-point Likert scale. The online survey included a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and satisfaction with university education specified on different topics: theoretical knowledge, skills in practice and research, ethical issues, evidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP), etc. Results showed that university students evaluate the items of quality of their university education in general more satisfactorily (Me=4–6; in range 1-7), compared to practicing professionals (Me=2–5, in range 1-7). However, both groups assessed their knowledge regarding the EBPP, practical skills, and appropriate advertisement of psychological services as the points of education with the lowest quality. Interestingly, among the most significant differences between groups was the satisfaction with knowledge of legal requirements for practice (Welch’s t=9.005, p<.001), which the practicing psychologists assessed considerably lower than students. Conclusion. In addition to ongoing efforts to adjust the university education in psychology to the circumstances of war, further steps should include changes in curricula and education format to 1) clarify the EBPP approach, 2) focus on practical skills development, and 3) offer an appropriate framework of psychological services advertisement.

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