Exploring differences in psychological professionals' attitudes towards and experiences of complementary therapies in clinical practice

Abstract

Background

Previous studies have found that practicing psychologists hold different attitudes than psychology students towards complementary therapies in clinical practice. These differences may relate to psychologists' knowledge of complementary therapies and their use in clinical practice. The use of complementary therapies among consumers for physical and psychological concerns is increasing, but many lack empirical evidence.

Objective

Previous studies have explored attitudes with samples of registered psychologists and psychology students, but no empirical studies have examined this among academic professionals who work predominantly in tertiary or research roles. This study investigated whether the personal experience of complementary therapies influenced professional psychologists' and academic professionals' attitudes towards complementary therapies in clinical practice.

Method

Professional psychologists (n = 134) and academic professionals (n = 106) participated in an online cross‐sectional study. An existing scale measuring psychologists' attitudes towards complementary therapies explored the attitudes of professional psychologists and academic professionals.

Results

Results demonstrated that professional psychologists held more positive attitudes towards complementary therapies and had greater personal use of these therapies than academic professionals.

Conclusions

The findings from this study raises questions about whether personal experience biases a professional's view of complementary therapies in clinical practice or facilitates a more sophisticated comprehension of their role in clinical care. The research further supports variations in attitudes in sub‐groups of psychology, which may stimulate more collaborative and reciprocal work on complementary therapies within education, research and practice.

Key words:

• attitudes
• complementary therapies
• evidence‐based practice
• experiential learning
• personal experience
• psychologists