Affiliations: School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland
University of Technology, Carseldine Campus, Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Judy Fleiter, School of Psychology
and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Beams Road, Carseldine,
Qld 4034, Australia. Tel.: +61 7 3138 4545; Fax: +61 7 3138 4660; E-mail:
j.fleiter@qut.edu.au
Abstract: This paper details an exploratory investigation of psychological
factors that may influence the adoption/rejection of postural training devices
from the perspectives of two potential user groups (clients and practitioners).
The aim was to elicit perceived advantages and disadvantages from potential
users and to apply psychological principles to examine, and potentially counter
perceived barriers to use. A small sample (50) of general public members,
physiotherapists and occupational therapists were surveyed using open-ended
questions designed to elicit information about current practices and
attitudinal beliefs about postural training. Results suggested that members of
the public fall into two categories according to whether they would use the
device for prevention or treatment. This group identified issues such as lack
of need, time consuming, and motivations to comply. Practitioners highlighted
that lack of research, lack of ability to trial a product, and issues of cost
and non-compliance by consumers and were seen as prohibitory to use. A number
of theoretical principles of behaviour change were then related to the findings
including: the stages of change model, behavioural learning, message framing,
persuasion, attitude-behaviour relationships, motivations and impression
management. Client cost objections to treatments and the need to integrate
research findings into practice are also discussed.
