The current situation of the role of the psychologist in General Hospital Mental Health Units in Andalusia

Abstract

The object of this paper is to set up an approach to the current work activity of the psychologist in the Mental Health Hospitalization Units in the Spanish Autonomous Community of Andalusia. An examination is made of the previous process of development of such units and also a description of their characteristics. The study of the work performed by the psychologist in these units has been carried out trough a questionnaire directed both at the professionals who currently lend their services and those others who have done so in the past. Results allowed a descriptive and correlational analysis of variables involved in these professionals' working conditions, as well as a comparative study between those who currently carry out their work in the Mental Health Hospitalization Units and those who no longer do so. Finally, a series of conclusions are expounded on the results obtained, leaving the present and future situation of the psychologist in the General Hospital Mental Health Units open to debate.