Navigating practice research: an exploration of psychotherapist attitudes to evidence-based practice and post-qualification research activity in UK clinical psychologists

Burnett, Stevie (2024) Navigating practice research: an exploration of psychotherapist attitudes to evidence-based practice and post-qualification research activity in UK clinical psychologists. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background: The scientist-practitioner model is an important facet of the identity of clinical psychologists and other psychological disciplines. It was first introduced in 1949, designed to bridge the gap between research and practice in clinical psychology. Seventy years later, and after many empirical advancements and changes in the role of a clinical psychologist, this body of work aims to update the picture of clinical psychologists as researcher-practitioners.

Methods: The portfolio comprises of two complementary papers. Firstly, a systematic review comprising of nine studies investigates attitudes of psychotherapists to evidence-based practice. Secondly, an empirical paper seeks to understand the range of research related activities in which UK clinical psychologists (N = 159) are involved, as well as the factors associated with this and barriers to future activity.

Results: The systematic review paper found that attitudes of psychotherapists to evidence-based practice were broadly positive. Commonly endorsed attitudes included evidence-based practice being beneficial for clients, improving overall practice, and improving quality of service. The empirical paper found that all clinical psychologists reported carrying out at least one research related activity in the past year with a mean number of 7.82 activities conducted. In addition, a regression model indicated that attitudes, gender, self-efficacy, resources, and support were significant predictors of level of research activity. Lastly, time and resources were the most reported barriers and facilitators to research related activity.

Conclusion: The integrated findings of the two papers indicate that attitudes towards evidence-based practice are positive and that clinical psychologists are utilising their research skills in clinical practice via research related activities. However, there remains many barriers and potential facilitators to future research related activity.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Nicola Veasy
Date Deposited:	07 Nov 2024 09:20
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2024 09:20
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/97548
DOI:

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