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

摘要

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.