Testing a Model of Research Intention Among U.K. Clinical Psychologists: A Logistic Regression Analysis

OBJECTIVES: Previous research highlights barriers to clinical psychologists conducting research, but has rarely examined U.K. clinical psychologists. The study investigated U.K. clinical psychologists' self-reported research output and tested part of a theoretical model of factors influencing their intention to conduct research. METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to 1,300 U.K. clinical psychologists. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy-four questionnaires were returned (29% response-rate). This study replicated in a U.K. sample the finding that the modal number of publications was zero, highlighted in a number of U.K. and U.S. studies. Research intention was bimodally distributed, and logistic regression classified 78% of cases successfully. Outcome expectations, perceived behavioral control and normative beliefs mediated between research training environment and intention. CONCLUSIONS: Further research should explore how research is negotiated in clinical roles, and this issue should be incorporated into prequalification training.