
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Date
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Psychology
Committee Chair
Jeffrey Berman
Committee Member
Joah Williams
Committee Member
Nicholas Simon
Abstract
Because of advances in technology and social-distancing guidelines related to COVID-19, teletherapy has become increasingly common and likely to remain an option for those seeking treatment. Research comparing in-person therapy to teletherapy exists, but far less exists concerning differences between modes of teletherapy. This study compared perceptions of psychotherapists in video- and text-based teletherapy. Young adult participants (n =384) were randomly assigned to view either a video- or text-based therapy session involving either issues with weight or family problems. The participants then rated the therapeutic alliance, perceived empathy of the therapist, and credibility of the treatment. Results indicated that participants rated the therapist’s alliance, empathy, and credibility higher when presented in a video format than when presented in a text format. The results suggest that video formats of teletherapy tend to be perceived more positively than text formats, and thus may be more likely to produce positive therapeutic outcomes.
Library Comment
Notes
Open access.
Recommended Citation
Wood, Selena, "Teletherapy Modality and Subsequent Observer Perceptions of Therapists’ Alliance, Credibility and Empathy" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3746.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/3746
Comments
Data is provided by the student.