Intentions of Clinical Social Workers for Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Objective: This study investigated the extent to which subjective norms, attitudes, knowledge, and behavioral control explained social workers’ intention to employ exposure and response prevention (ERP) in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder in the United States. Methods: Social workers ( N = 168) completed measures through Qualtrics. We hypothesized clinicians who endorsed greater behavioral control, social norms, and attitudes would have higher behavioral intentions of using ERP. Regression analysis tested this hypothesis. We further hypothesized clinicians with prior behavioral intent and greater knowledge would have more influential factors and current behavioral intention. These were tested with t -tests. Results: Greater behavioral control, attitudes, and social norms significantly increased behavioral intention to use ERP. Social norms produced a large effect (β = 0.50), attitudes a medium effect (β = 0.35), and behavioral control a small effect (β = 0.25) on behavioral intention. Prior behavioral intent significantly increased these factors. Discussion: Attitudes, behavioral control, and social norms significantly impact behavioral intention to use ERP.