PROFESSIONAL ISSUES
Path analytic modeling of psychologists’ openness to performing clinical work with telepsychology: A national study
Bradford S. Pierce,
Paul B. Perrin,
Scott D. McDonald,
Bradford S. Pierce
Psychology Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Paul B. Perrin
Psychology Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia
Correspondence Paul B. Perrin, Virginia Commonwealth University, 808 West Franklin St., Room 201, P.O. Box 842018, Richmond, VA 23284-2018.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorScott D. McDonald
Psychology Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia
Mental Health Services, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
Search for more papers by this authorBradford S. Pierce,
Paul B. Perrin,
Scott D. McDonald,
Bradford S. Pierce
Psychology Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Paul B. Perrin
Psychology Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia
Correspondence Paul B. Perrin, Virginia Commonwealth University, 808 West Franklin St., Room 201, P.O. Box 842018, Richmond, VA 23284-2018.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorScott D. McDonald
Psychology Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia
Mental Health Services, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
Search for more papers by this authorThe authors declare that there are no conflict of interests.
Abstract
Objective
To examine whether the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) apply to psychologists’ openness to using telepsychology.
Method
Participants were 1,791 psychologists currently practicing psychotherapy. Participants represented all 50 US states and averaged 26.33 (SD = 11.18) years in clinical practice. The study used a cross-sectional, national online design.
Results
Path analyses derived from the TRA and TAM evidenced poor fit. A newly-developed, third model achieved adequate to fit in which perceived attitudes of others concerning telepsychology were associated with perceived ease of use (β = 0.25, p < .001) and usefulness (β = 0.30, p < .001) of telepsychology. Perceived ease of use (β = 0.30, p < .001) and usefulness (β = 0.32, p < .001) of telepsychology both uniquely predicted current use of telepsychology.
Conclusions
Organizations should adopt methods for delivering telepsychology that are easy to use and possess demonstrable utility.
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