Theoretical and practical barriers to practitioners' willingness to seek training in empirically supported treatments

J Clin Psychol. 2012 Jan;68(1):8-23. doi: 10.1002/jclp.20832. Epub 2011 Sep 7.

Abstract

To identify barriers to the dissemination of empirically supported treatments (ESTs), a random sample of psychologists in independent practice (N=1291) was asked to complete measures of attitudes towards ESTs and willingness to attend a 3-hour, 1-day, or 3-day workshop in an EST of their choice. The strongest predictor of unwillingness to obtain EST training was the amount of time and cost required for the workshop, followed by objections to the need for EST training. Psychodynamic (compared to cognitive-behavioral) and more experienced practitioners agreed more strongly with the objections to ESTs overall, as did those whose graduate schools had not emphasized psychotherapy research. Results suggest that both practical and theoretical barriers are significant obstacles to EST dissemination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Education / economics
  • Education / organization & administration
  • Education / standards*
  • Evidence-Based Practice / education*
  • Female
  • Health Surveys / trends
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Staff / education*
  • Medical Staff / psychology
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Private Practice / standards
  • Psychotherapy* / education
  • Psychotherapy* / methods
  • Workforce