Date of Award
1999
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
The primary healthcare system is noted to be the de facto mental health system in the United States†(Stroshal, 1996). Despite this fact, patients typically do not receive the appropriate behavioral treatment to ameliorate their pain and suffering (Resnick & Rozensky, 1996). The present study attempted to investigate physicians' attitudes toward psychologists in medical settings with regard to whether these attitudes are influenced by (a) levels of medically/psychologically based medical conditions, (b) level of resident training, (c) level of exposure to psychological services, and (d) level of emphasis on psychological training within the medical schools. Thirty-nine female and forty-five male family practice residents from eight training sites read written vignettes portraying real life medical conditions of patients who were referred to a clinical health psychologist as part of an interdisciplinary approach to service provision. The description of the psychologist remained identical throughout the series of vignettes. Attitudes and reactions concerning the value of psychological services in the treatment of medical conditions were assessed using a 30-item Semantic Differential Scale following each of the vignettes. Results indicated that family practice physicians perceive psychological services as generally favorable, although they ascribe more favorable value to psychological services in the treatment of primarily psychologically based conditions than for more medically based conditions. Overall, it appears as if regardless of level of resident training, level of exposure to psychological services, and level of emphasis on psychological services within medical schools, the value of these services is perceived as generally favorable. Results suggest that underutilization of psychological care within medical settings is not a function of the physician perception of the value of psychological services. Rather, other factors may influence the appropriate referral of patients for the amelioration of psychological components or consequences to medical conditions.
Recommended Citation
Kelly, Katherine T., "Physician Attitudes Toward Clinical Health Psychologists In Medical Settings" (1999). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 845.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/845