Experimental Psychological Response to Injury Studies: Why So Few?

Over the last 20 years surprisingly few researchers have heeded Cupal’s (1998) call for experimental and quasi-experimental intervention studies that incorporate control groups, employ prospective and longitudinal designs, and include outcome measures. This chapter considers some of the barriers that have stood in the way of researchers taking up this call, it reflects on some strengths and limitations of the studies conducted to date, and suggests how the strengths might be harnessed and the limitations alleviated. The chapter propagates the need for methodological and conceptual rigor across both experimental and non-experimental designs as a basis for informing evidence-based professional practice. It concludes with recommendations for research and critical discussion questions.