Clinical Psychology around the world has evolved dramatically over the last century. This evolution has led to the legislation of psychologists in some States of the United States of America to legally prescribe psychotropic medications. Since 1981 when the first published survey was conducted to assess the views of psychologists towards prescription privileges, advocates and opponents have loudly voiced their opinions. Some of the topics of debate include training, social, professional, economic and political issues. Comparatively, there has been little discussion of limited prescription privileges for clinical psychologists in Australia. The current exploratory study seeks to be the first study in the literature to address the views of South Australian psychologists-in-training and clinical psychologists' views towards limited prescription privileges for clinical psychologists. / An initial sample of 121 respondents were involved in the first stage of the study, whereby respondents clearly perceived more costs than benefits to the profession and the community, should psychologists attain the right to prescribe. A difference in support of prescription privileges was not found between psychologists-in-training, academic or practising psychologists. In addition, gender had no effect on the opinions of respondents. Of those 121 initial respondents, 51 returned the second questionnaire after reading an informal discussion document on the debate. Results indicated that the provision of information produced a significant, favourable change in opinion towards prescription privileges. / The current study reveals a lack of consensus in opinion and the prioritizing of other marketplace issues such as the desire for the profession to attain Medicare rebates as well as a desire for the profession to attain Medicare rebates as well as a desire for additional psychopharmacology training. / Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 2004.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/281934 |
| Creators | McArthur, Michelle |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | copyright under review |
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