Uptake, Barriers, and Facilitators of Open Science in Clinical Psychology
Abstract
Abstract: Open science practices (OSPs) aim to enhance transparency, reproducibility, and research quality, yet empirical research regarding their uptake in clinical psychology remains scarce. The present survey examined OSPs across clinical psychological research, teaching, and psychotherapeutic practice at universities and university clinics in German-speaking countries. Based on responses from 130 participants ( M = 37.13 ± 9.75 years of age, 61.54 % female), preregistration, a priori sample size planning, and open access publishing were the most commonly reported OSPs. Concerns regarding data protection and ethics, time constraints, and fear of mistakes were the most prominent barriers, while access to infrastructure and incentives were the most needed types of support. Teaching activities addressed open science topics, whereas implementation in clinical practice remained limited. Overall, the findings highlight the need for field-specific guidelines, institutional support, and aligned incentive structures to foster sustainable adoption of OSPs across career stages and contexts.