Attitudes and knowledge for CBT-based psychotherapy among medical students and residents in China: a survey study

Abstract

Background/aim: Psychotherapy training for medical students and residents in China is still in development. To establish an appropriate training program, understanding medical students’ and residents’ current knowledge and attitudes toward psychotherapy is needed. Methods: One hundred and forty-nine participants, including medical students, residents, and other health providers (HCPs), self-reported their understanding of 18 types of psychotherapy, negative attitude towards cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and their attitude towards psychological interventions and counseling in primary care (APIC-PC) through an online survey. Results: Participants’ understanding of psychotherapy was generally low (M = 26.25, SD = 22.99). Medical students’ (M = 34.42, SD = 22.61) and HCPs’ (M = 37.25, SD = 30.834) understanding was significantly higher than residents’ (M = 20.08, SD = 19.54), F(2, 146) = 8.63, p