Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Thoughts About Psychotherapy Survey in a Parent Sample.

Researchers have noted that treatment fearfulness (e.g., embarrassment or negative attitudes) causes individuals to avoid seeking therapy. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Thoughts About Psychotherapy Survey (TAPS; Kushner and Sher in Prof Psychol Res Prac 20(4):251-257, 1989) in a sample of parents. This study also examined differences in therapy fears among parents with and without a history of using mental health services. Using a sample of 138 parents (87% female), findings indicated that a three factor structure of the TAPS was a good fit for the data. Furthermore, the scales demonstrated "good" internal consistency ranging from .86 to .93. Finally, parents that reported previous use of mental health services reported fewer treatment fears. Given these findings, the TAPS appears to be a valid measure to assess treatment fears among parents. Implications for research and practice will be discussed.