When Helping Hurts: A Qualitative Study on the Mental Health of Postgraduate Clinical Psychology Students in India

Author(s)	Ms. Vaishnavi Rajendra Yadav, Ms. Shifa Munaf Nandyal
Country	India
Abstract	In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the mental health challenges faced by students in high-stress academic fields. This qualitative study explores the mental health issues specific to postgraduate clinical psychology students in India. As attention to mental health issues is growing, there is a requirement for appropriate facilities and support systems for trainees. For this study, 58 students of master's participated through focus group discussion about their experiences and concerns. The theme that emerged from thematic analysis is Academia and Emotional Exhaustion. Subthemes under Academia were an unequipped curriculum, achievement pressure, and lack of exposure. Emotional exhaustion included burnout, uncertainty about the future, and self-deprivation. Findings indicate that the academic environment is of great influence in the student's mental health; therefore, there is a dire need for reform in the training programs and more support mechanisms for mental health professionals.
Keywords	Clinical Psychology, Students, Academia, Emotional exhaustion.
Field	Sociology > Philosophy / Psychology / Religion
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-04-08
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.73130

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