Perceived credibility and outcome expectations: important factors for understanding willingness to engage in psychological therapy for anxiety and depression in the general community

A meaningful proportion of adults with anxiety and depression symptoms do not seek out psychological therapy. Studies show that higher treatment credibility (how logical therapy seems) and outcome expectations (perceptions of therapy effectiveness) are associated with greater treatment uptake. Most research has included individuals in therapy, who may perceive therapy as more logical and effective than those not seeking treatment. No studies have investigated these constructs in detail in the general community. This study examined perceptions of psychological therapy for anxiety and depression symptoms, and its relationship to treatment willingness in a community sample of Australian adults. Participant factors associated with credibility and expectations were explored. Participants (n = 911) completed an online survey covering demographic information, anxiety and depression symptoms, credibility and expectations, coping self-efficacy, and therapy willingness. Results indicated that participants held positive beliefs about therapy. Credibility and expectations uniquely predicted willingness to engage in therapy. Participant characteristics explained little variance in credibility and expectations. The findings have important implications for improving treatment uptake: credibility and expectations should be considered and could be targeted via public health interventions and in primary care settings. Research exploring optimal approaches for increasing credibility and expectations would be a valuable future direction.