Misperceived effectiveness and the demand for psychotherapy

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Roth, Christopher; Schwardmann, Peter; Tripodi, Egon
• 署名单位: University of Cologne; Centre for Economic Policy Research - UK; Norwegian School of Economics (NHH); Max Planck Society; Carnegie Mellon University; Hertie School
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0047-2727
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2024.105254
• 发表日期: 2024
• 关键词: Mental health; DEPRESSION; Psychotherapy; beliefs; Effectiveness; Information policy

摘要

While psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating depression, take-up remains low. Ina sample of 1843 depressed individuals, we document that effectiveness concerns are top of mind when respondents consider the value of therapy. We then show that the average respondent underestimates the effectiveness of therapy. An information treatment correcting this misperception increases participants' incentivized willingness to pay fora $320 therapy from $166 to $176. Our evidence suggests that while information can influence therapy demand by altering beliefs and shifting attention, it may not significantly increase demand unless substantial subsidies are provided.