Psychologists' use of homework assignments in clinical practice

Does the average professional psychologist use homework in clinical practic e? If so, how frequently and how systematic is he or she in recommending ho mework? Ninety-eight percent of the 221 New Zealand practicing psychologist s surveyed reported using homework assignments. Although practitioners repo rted using homework in an average of 57% of sessions, a higher rate (66% of sessions) was reported among those using cognitive and behavioral approach es to therapy. Despite this fact only 25% of all psychologists reported usi ng systematic procedures for recommending homework. The use of homework in clinical practice may need modification to ensure that clients receive maxi mum benefit from homework assignments.