Training psychology students in psychotherapeutic skills
The Effect of Deliberate Practice Training of Graduate Students in General Psychotherapeutic Skills Compared to Theoretical Teaching: the Randomized Controlled TRIPS Trial
NA · Aalborg University · NCT05164497
This study is testing whether hands-on training in therapy skills helps psychology students become better therapists compared to traditional classroom learning.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 198 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Aalborg University (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Aalborg 9000 and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05164497 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study compares a deliberate practice-based approach to therapist training with traditional theoretical teaching among graduate psychology students in Denmark. Approximately 200 students will be randomized into two groups: one receiving hands-on training through role-play and an online skill-building system, and the other receiving theoretical instruction. The study aims to assess improvements in interpersonal skills as rated by observers, as well as self-reported measures of empathy and self-efficacy. The findings could significantly enhance the training methods for future psychologists.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are graduate psychology students enrolled in a clinical psychology elective course at participating universities in Denmark.
Not a fit: Students who choose not to participate in the study will not benefit from the findings or the training methods being evaluated.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective training for future therapists, improving their interpersonal skills and ultimately enhancing patient care.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of deliberate practice in psychotherapy training is gaining attention, this specific comparison with theoretical teaching is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Graduate psychology students attending a 30-hour elective course in clinical psychology called "Deliberate practice training of general psychotherapeutic skills" at two universities in Denmark (i.e., Department of Communication and Psychology at Aalborg University and the Department of Psychology at the University of Copenhagen). * All participants hold a Bachelor of Science in psychology. * Signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Course participants who are declining to participate in the study.
Where this trial is running
Aalborg 9000 and 1 other locations
- Department of Communication and Psychology, Aalborg University, Rendsburggade 14 — Aalborg 9000, Denmark (RECRUITING)
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A — Copenhagen, Denmark (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ole K. Østergård, PhD — Department of Communication and Psychology, Aalborg University.
- Study coordinator: Ole K. Østergård, PhD
- Email: karkov@hum.aau.dk
- Phone: 004520625654
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Deliberate Practice Training of Psychotherapeutic Skills, Theoretical Teaching of Psychotherapeutic Skills, Psychotherapy training, Deliberate practice, Psychology students