The Worrying Unemployment Rate Among Spanish Psychologists
Psychology is a field of study that has interested human beings since ancient times. University studies in this branch of science are usually in high demand: There are many psychologists who graduate each year, and many more who begin their studies in this path.
However, not everything is simply a love for theoretical knowledge; Although in some cases it is done solely for intellectual interest or for other reasons, the vast majority of university students are studying with the purpose of being able to carry out a work activity in a field that interests them. Unfortunately, entering the labor market after completing studies does not currently offer as many outlets for psychology professionals, especially after the economic crisis that began in 2007.
The worrying unemployment rate of Spanish psychologists has raised alarm bells among both students and people with training in the field who are unemployed or whose options to change their workplace are limited. It is a situation that affects a large number of professionals who do not find a place in which to practice their profession in a dignified manner.
If we look at both the academic world and the labor market, it is possible to notice the existence of a great disparity in the relationship between supply and demand. While university training in psychology is in high demand and universities have responded accordingly, In the current labor market the situation is complex and does not offer many alternatives to professionals in the sector.
This leads to the existence of high competitiveness when it comes to obtaining a job, practically requiring training in the form of several postgraduate courses and master’s degrees in order to be able to stand out from the large number of competitors that can arise for the same position… and sometimes even then important progress in the form of employability is not achieved. Perhaps the only branch of Psychology in which this does not occur is the organizational branch, very oriented towards Human Resources.
Although fortunately within psychology there are multiple areas in which it is possible to specialize, which causes some sectors to have a tighter supply-demand relationship, the vast majority of professionals have great difficulties in finding work
The situation of Psychology in Spain: unemployment
The employment situation of psychologists in this country, especially with regard to the field of mental health, is paradoxical. And it is that In Spain there is a great social need for psychological care, a need that is increasingly greater and more evident. It is estimated that one in four people will have some type of problem throughout their lives that requires psychological attention (especially anxiety and mood disorders).
Spain has approximately 4 psychologists per 100,000 inhabitants, four times less than the European average (which is calculated at 18 per 100,000). This figure is totally insufficient to account for the population’s need for professional care. This causes large waiting lists in public health to receive psychological treatment, while only 128 new public places have been offered annually, with a large part of professionals.
The result is that many patients find it necessary to resort to private practice if they want to practice or receive treatment.
Although in other areas far from the clinic the situation is somewhat better, with a large number of job offers in the field of Human Resources and the business world, this path tends to not be the favorite of students starting their degree. university in Psychology.
Evolution of unemployment among psychologists
In recent years the situation for psychologists has improved slightly, observing a small increase in hiring during the month of February this year compared to the month of January or last year. However, this does not mean that the problem is solved.
According to data from the State Public Employment Service (SEPE), it is currently estimated that around 12,152 registered professionals are unemployed There is a clear improvement compared to last year’s 14,088 or 2014’s 16,800, but the situation remains critical.
We must also take into account the difference between graduates and graduates. The changes in educational matters that university education has undergone with the implementation of the Bologna plan caused the emergence of the Degree in Psychology, a university training that allows obtaining the title of psychologist. However, it is possible to observe that currently there is a tendency for graduates to have a higher employment rate than graduates. The unemployment rate among graduates falls and that of graduates rises although this may also be due to the shorter time on the market for seconds.
Likewise, the fact that the Master of General Health Psychology and the professional practice of clinical psychology outside of this master’s degree or the PIR training system was made illegal (although professionals who met certain conditions were allowed to obtain an accreditation that allowed them to continue practicing professionally), which led to the need for greater performance. and competition in order to be able to practice as professionals in the health sector (the most in demand).
Another problem that psychology professionals usually encounter is that even if they manage to find job offers linked to their professional sector, This job tends to be temporary Thus, job insecurity is a worrying constant in this sector, as in other professions linked to the world of health.
New political measures are necessary
From what has been seen, it seems that the drift in the labor market will not be sufficient to offer a minimum employment rate that satisfies demand. Structural changes are necessary to find a solution in the medium term, since The future of an entire generation of psychologists nationwide is at stake
