被误判的有效性与心理治疗需求

中文摘要

尽管心理治疗已被证明在治疗抑郁症方面是有效的，其接受率仍然很低。在1843名抑郁症患者的样本中，我们记录到，当受访者考虑心理治疗的价值时，对其有效性的担忧是首要考虑因素。我们随后表明，平均受访者低估了心理治疗的有效性。纠正这一误判的信息干预，将参与者对一项320美元心理治疗的激励性支付意愿从166美元提高至176美元。我们的证据表明，尽管信息可以通过改变信念和转移注意力来影响心理治疗需求，但除非提供大量补贴，否则它可能不会显著增加需求。 • 心理治疗对抑郁症有效，但其接受率持续偏低。 • 对有效性的担忧是抑郁症患者评估心理治疗价值时的关键。 • 受访者低估了心理治疗的有效性，从而影响了支付意愿。 • 提高感知有效性的信息使支付意愿增加了10美元。 • 需求通过信念改变而上升，但可能需要补贴来驱动接受。

Abstract

While psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating depression, take-up remains low. In a 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 for a $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. • Psychotherapy is effective for depression, yet its take-up remains persistently low. • Effectiveness concerns are key when depressed individuals assess therapy’s value. • Respondents underestimate therapy effectiveness, influencing willingness to pay. • Information raising perceived effectiveness increases willingness to pay by $10. • Demand rises through belief change, but subsidies may be needed to drive uptake.