Dealing with negativity in your program (School Psych)

[sabaijae]

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So, this post is a bit of a rant - apologies in advance. I recently started a MA/EdS program in School Psychology and am facing quite a bit of negativity. I'm really thinking about transferring to a PhD program ASAP (working diligently on apps @ the moment), partly because I'm getting sick of this negativity and really want to engage in research with like-minded folks...

 

[LivingOffLoans]

I agree with the poster above me. 'Negativity' really does seem to permeate most programs (at least those that I know people in), especially in doctorate programs. Consider yourself lucky that none of the negativity is being directed at you (yet). I know I had the most solid frame rose-colored glasses when entering graduate school, expecting to find 'my people', a field full of hugs and thought provoking discussions among a crowd of young professionals who were working together in harmony to make the world a better place.

I too had thoughts of switching programs or dropping out at one point, but then I realized that there really wasn't anything else I wanted to do for a career other than this work. So I've toughed it out. I've tried to build whatever support network I can, set myself up with a good therapist, and take extra good care of myself when I'm not in class or at field placement. I think I've become a stronger person in learning how to deal with the politics of it all (though trust me, I'm still learning). You will too, no matter what you decide to do, if you choose to stick it out.

Good luck.

 

[paramour]

I agree with the previous posters. I completed a master's only program (not in school psych), and there is considerably more "negativity" in my doctoral program than there ever was in my master's program.

My current dept houses a school psych program, and their students take some courses with the students in our program (so we are familiar with their students, complaints, etc. to some extent). The folks in the master's program tend to be much more content than the doctoral-level students, and, as already stated, there's more of the "negativity" (as you are describing it) while completing the doctorate; most students are relatively content with their master's degree (despite there being some disgruntled acceptance of at least some of the gripes that you've mentioned).

You may be in a program that is a poor fit for you, but you also may need to recognize that you *may* counter similar/identical issues in another program.

 

[sabaijae]

Thanks for replies, appreciate it...

 

[wigflip]

My masters program was full of fluffy kittens compared to my experience with doctoral study. I think most licensable masters programs treat students more like undergrads (i.e. student as customer, more protected from ugliness of academia than doc students). Seems like that's not completely the case here, but I agree with above posters that it's likely to get worse, not better in a doctoral program. Best to leave or stay in current situation based on the merits of the program (will graduating allow you to do the next thing you want to do in terms of education or employment?) rather than the climate issues, unless climate is so poor it's making you sick, or you as an individual are being targeted (sexual harassment, racial slurs, etc.).

 

[sabaijae]

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