Path analytic modeling of psychologists’ openness to performing clinical work with telepsychology: A national study

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.