Yuen, Chin Yan Jackie (2014) Consumer characteristics associated with and predicting preference for online mental health interventions in Australia. Coursework Masters thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate possible factors discerning individuals’ preference to use online (e-preference) versus face-to-face (F2F-preference) interventions for mental health concerns. The literature regarding best practice in the integration of online mental health interventions into routine care in Australia has yet to comprehensively consider whether such online interventions are accepted and preferred by members of the public. A need exists to examine various demographic and individual characteristics that may influence an individual’s choice of mental health treatment. An online survey was administered to 308 individuals aged between 17 to 68 years and examined a range of demographic and individual characteristics including age, gender, geographic location, current mental health concerns, attitudes and beliefs towards both online and offline treatment options and confidence in using computers and internet. It also specifically assessed locus of control (LOC) as a potential factor that might predict treatment preference. Given the paucity of literature in this area, this study was largely exploratory. However, based on previous research it was expected that both LOC and geographic location would predict treatment preferences. Specifically, it was expected that individuals demonstrating internal (as opposed to external) LOC, and those living in regional locations, would prefer e-interventions to F2F approaches. Results indicated that 85.7% of individuals preferred F2F treatment (F2F preferers), 10.7% preferred e-approaches with therapist support and 3.6% preferred e-approaches without therapist support (e-preferers). E-preferers were more likely to perceive e-approaches as helpful, but contrary to expectation, were more likely to reside in major city and e-preference was not influenced by internal LOC. F2F preferers on the other hand were more likely to demonstrate higher external doctor LOC and perceive self-help online treatment program as harmful. They also endorsed greater preference and likelihood of accessing GPs, Psychologists and Counsellors and reluctance to access e-approaches in the future. Findings of this study indicate that a large majority of the population are still reluctant to choose e-interventions for mental health concerns, and that there may be a number of individual factors that contribute to a person’s treatment preference. Implications for online mental health interventions are discussed.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Coursework Masters) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology, Counselling and Community (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2014) |
| Supervisors: | Sonja March |
| Qualification: | Master of Psychology (Clinical) |
| Date Deposited: | 16 Oct 2025 01:25 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Oct 2025 01:25 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Treatment preference; community mental health; e-mental health; Australia; |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52902 |
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