Profile and Professional Practices of Health Psychologists: a Brazilian Survey

Eliane Maria Fleury Seidl; Elisa Kern de Castro; Cristiane Lara Mendes-Chiloff; Cynthia de Freitas Melo; Elizabeth Queiroz; Fernanda Martins Pereira Hildebrandt; Graziela Sousa Nogueira; Luziane de Fátima Kirchner; Maria Cristina de Oliveira Santos Miyazaki; Neide Aparecida Micelli Domingos; Sergio Henrique de Souza Alves; Lilian Maria Borges

doi:10.1590/1982-4327e3614

##article.authors##

Eliane Maria Fleury Seidl University of Brasília https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1942-5100
- Conceptualization
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- Writing – Original Draft Preparation
- Writing – Review & Editing
Elisa Kern de Castro Egaz Moniz School of Health and Science https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1290-7561
- Conceptualization
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Cristiane Lara Mendes-Chiloff São Paulo State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7800-5288
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Cynthia de Freitas Melo Universidade de Fortaleza https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3162-7300
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Elizabeth Queiroz University of Brasília https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6360-6670
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Fernanda Martins Pereira Hildebrandt Rio de Janeiro State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2372-9940
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Graziela Sousa Nogueira Secretaria de Estado de Educação do Distrito Federal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1622-4765
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Luziane de Fátima Kirchner Dom Bosco Catholic University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3579-1768
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Maria Cristina de Oliveira Santos Miyazaki Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6792-4529
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Neide Aparecida Micelli Domingos Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9001-4283
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Sergio Henrique de Souza Alves University Center of Brasília https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8081-9267
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Lilian Maria Borges Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6570-0417
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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-4327e3614

Keywords:

health psychology, hospital psychology, professional practice, Unified Health System

Abstract

The work of psychologists in healthcare systems requires innovations in practice and continuous adjustments to meet institutional and social demands. This study aimed to characterize sociodemographic and professional training profiles and to analyze professional practices, expectations and perceptions of psychologists working in healthcare. A convenience sample (N=451) of Brazilian psychologists completed an online questionnaire, and their responses were subjected to descriptive and inferential analyzes. Most participants (81.4%) were women, graduated from private institutions (65.6%), held postgraduate degrees (73.4%) and worked in public healthcare services (56.3%). Professional practices were diversified, particularly among postgraduates and supervisors; patients´ reception, individual psychological care, and guidance for family members/caregivers prevailed. Positive expectations and perceptions of work in healthcare predominated among researchers and supervisors. In conclusion, although they operate in diverse ways, challenges persist in communication and interdisciplinary work, with implications for public health policies. The data can support curricular improvement in health education.