Psychoanalytic training-who is afraid of evaluation?

Area of Science:

• Psychoanalysis
• Organizational Psychology
• Psychological Assessment

Background:

• Evaluation is integral to psychoanalytic institutional functioning but often problematic.
• The evaluation of candidates during psychoanalytic training is a specific area of difficulty.
• Existing practices face varied opinions on their necessity and effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the sources and nature of difficulties in evaluating psychoanalytic candidates.
• To apply Bion's Basic Assumptions to understand institutional dynamics affecting evaluation.
• To examine the impact of supervisory role ambiguity and theoretical diversity on candidate assessment.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of institutional dynamics in psychoanalytic training.
• Application of Wilfred Bion's theory of Basic Assumptions.
• Utilizing findings from the EPF End of Training Evaluation Project (ETEP).

Main Results:

• Bion's Basic Assumptions significantly influence institutional dynamics and evaluation processes.
• Ambiguity in the supervisory role and theoretical diversity complicate candidate evaluation.
• The supervisor's role is central to the difficulties encountered in training evaluations.

Conclusions:

• Understanding Bion's Basic Assumptions is crucial for addressing challenges in psychoanalytic candidate evaluation.
• Clarifying supervisory roles and managing theoretical diversity can improve training assessments.
• The EPF End of Training Evaluation Project (ETEP) provides valuable insights into these complex issues.