Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Selena Wood

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.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

PDF

Notes

Open access.

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