Perceived barriers to psychological treatments and their relationship to depression

TLDR

Little is known about the nature of individual and systemic barriers to psychological treatments despite repeated calls for research. The study aimed to develop a measure of perceived barriers to psychological treatment (PBPT) by administering items derived from 260 participants to 658 primary‑care patients. The PBPT was refined through exploratory factor analysis yielding eight factors, confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis on the remaining sample. The PBPT scales demonstrated criterion validity, correlated with psychotherapy use and attendance, and higher barrier endorsement was linked to depression, indicating its usefulness. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., J Clin Psychol 66:1–16.

Abstract

Abstract In spite of repeated calls for research and interventions to overcome individual and systemic barriers to psychological treatments, little is known about the nature of these barriers. To develop a measure of perceived barriers to psychological treatment (PBPT), items derived from 260 participants were administered to 658 primary care patients. Exploratory factor analysis on half the sample resulted in 8 factors, which were supported by confirmatory factor analysis conducted on the other half. Associations generally supported the criterion validity of PBPT scales, with self‐reported concurrent use of psychotherapy and psychotherapy attendance in the year after PBPT administration. Depression was associated with greater endorsement of barriers. These findings suggest that the PBPT may be useful in assessing perceived barriers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66: 1–16, 2010.