Current Trends in Theoretical Orientation of Psychologists: The Case of Quebec Clinicians. Issue 10 (14th August 2015) - Jaimes, Annie
Abstract Objective Trends indicate that clinical psychologists' theoretical orientations have changed over the last decades in North America, but research on this topic in Canada is scarce. We analyzed the orientation of psychologists over the last 20 years in the province of Quebec, where 46% of Canadian psychologists are located. Method Data were collected annually through the board registration form of Quebec psychologists' professional order from 1993 to 2013. Univariate statistical analyses were realized on aggregated data. Results In 20 years, the proportion of clinicians choosing cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) as their main orientation grew from 18.4% to 38%, while preference for other orientations slightly declined. Existential–humanistic and psychodynamic–psychoanalytic approaches remained the primary orientation for around 21.7% and 21.5%, respectively. In 2013 (N = 8608), when taking into account 2 choices of theoretical orientation, 55.8% of clinicians chose CBT, 34.3% existential–humanistic orientation, 27.9% psychodynamic–analytic theories, and 21.8% systemic–interactional orientation. Conclusions Findings underline trends in Quebec clinical practice characterized by an increase in the number of psychologists identifying cognitive–behavioral approach as their primary self‐reported theoretical orientation.