Influences on theoretical orientation, sources of clinical information, and attitudes toward evidence: a self-report survey of psychotherapists in Argentina

This study examined Argentine psychotherapists’ self-reported influences on theoretical orientation, sources of clinical information, and attitudes toward research evidence, the scientific method, and evidence-based practice. A total of 284 therapists completed an online survey, of whom 261 were retained for analysis after exclusions. Data were analysed using ANCOVAs, multinomial logistic regression, and cluster analyses. Across the full sample, therapists reported relying primarily on books, supervision, and clinical experience to inform their practice, whereas scientific literature and outcome measures were among the least consulted sources. Attitudes toward the scientific method and the reported use of research-informed sources varied systematically across theoretical orientations. Therapists identifying with cognitive-behavioural approaches showed greater alignment with research-informed practices than those identifying with other orientations, and these attitudes were also associated with age and weekly working hours. Cluster analyses identified four attitudinal profiles that captured this variability. Overall, the results suggest that, within this sample, research evidence played a limited role in therapists’ reported clinical decision-making, with relevant variation linked to both theoretical orientation and career stage. Future studies should examine how training experiences shape engagement with research evidence across the diverse traditions that coexist in Argentine psychotherapy.