Date of publication
Oct 07, 2026
Category:
Article
Shifting self-efficacy, beliefs about engagement, and behavioral intentions through a research communication training program: results from an intervention study among university researchers
by
Paul R. Brewer
,
Erin Oittinen
,
Wyatt Dawson
,
Barbara L. Ley
Building on studies of science communication training program outcomes along with the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Integrated Behavioral Model, this study examines shifts in self-efficacy, beliefs about engagement, and behavioral intentions among participants in a university-based research communication training program for graduate students, postdocs, and faculty members. An analysis of data from a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest intervention study found that participants reported greater communication self-efficacy and willingness to communicate about their research after completing the program, though the results revealed no discernible shifts in beliefs about engagement (which already tended toward positivity). These findings provide new evidence that training programs can bolster foundations for effective communication on the part of university researchers. In terms of practice, the results suggest future directions for program development.