Why do some therapists not deal with outcome monitoring feedback? A feasibility study on the effect of regulatory focus and person-organization fit on attitude and outcome.
OBJECTIVE
Despite research on its effectiveness, many therapists still have negative attitudes toward using outcome monitoring feedback. The current study aims to investigate how the perceived match between values of an individual and those of the organization (Person-Organization fit; PO fit), and motivation to prevent failure or to achieve success (regulatory focus) are related to therapists' attitude, attitude changes over time, and outcomes.


METHODS
Therapists (n = 20) filled out a feedback attitude questionnaire at two points in time: before the start of outcome monitoring, and after six months. In addition, they completed measures on PO fit and regulatory focus.


RESULTS
PO fit was predictive of outcomes, when feedback was provided, but did not predict therapists' attitude. Therapists with a strong prevention focus (prevent failures), had a more positive attitude toward feedback, but achieved slower symptom reduction in their at risk cases. A strong promotion focus (achieve success) was not predictive of attitude, but did result in faster symptom reduction in at risk patients when feedback was provided.


CONCLUSIONS
Therapists motivational approach to work and the perceived match with the organization they work for, can influence both their attitude toward outcome monitoring and their outcomes.
a Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology Unit, Leiden University , Leiden , The Netherlands.|b Research Department , GGZ Noord-Holland-Noord , Heerhugowaard , The Netherlands.
Kim
K
de Jong
c Department of Social and Organizational Psychology , Utrecht University , Utrecht , The Netherlands.
Marije
M
de Goede
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015279:Organizational Culture; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D010558:Personnel Loyalty; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000592:standards*
attitude; feedback; outcome monitoring; person–organization fit; regulatory focus