Blended psychological interventions for emotional disorders in youth: acceptability and intention to use in a sample of Portuguese psychologists

Abstract Objectives: The increase in mental health problems among youth highlights the need for accessible and cost-effective psychological interventions. Blended interventions, which combine face-to-face and online sessions, can be an adequate response to the increase in demand for youth mental health services. Although this can be a promising approach, effective dissemination depends on its acceptability to professionals. This study aimed to explore the acceptability of and intention to use blended interventions among psychologists working with children with emotional disorders and to examine predictors of these variables, including previous knowledge, expectancies (i.e., performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions), and attitudes toward evidence-based practices (EBPs). Methods: The sample comprised 76 Portuguese psychologists (Mage = 37.26 years, standard deviation [SD] = 10.47; 92.1% female) working in youth mental health services. The participants completed an online questionnaire to evaluate the different dimensions included in the study. Results: The results showed that most participants demonstrated moderate to high acceptance of blended psychological interventions for emotional disorders in youth and intended to use them in the future. Regression analysis showed that performance expectancy and positive attitudes toward EBPs were significant predictors of acceptance of blended interventions and that social influence was a significant predictor of both acceptance of and intention to use blended interventions. Conclusion: These results emphasize the importance of sharing the findings of blended interventions, changing professionals’ attitudes toward EBPs, and of collaborating more closely with organizations and institutions to advance standards that encourage the adoption of this intervention format.