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The effects of gender, personality type, number of sessions and online modality on the therapeutic alliance and session evaluation in online counselling

Elaskary, Rowaida Shohdy (2021) The effects of gender, personality type, number of sessions and online modality on the therapeutic alliance and session evaluation in online counselling. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Background: Online counselling has always been surrounded with scepticism about its ability to foster a strong therapeutic alliance with limited nonverbal cues.

Aims: The current study aimed to explore clients’ evaluation of online counselling in two main areas: quality of the therapeutic alliance (WAI) and the session impact (SEQ). It also aimed to identify the factors that influence that evaluation (age, gender, personality characteristics, session count and online modality).

Hypotheses: H1) participants evaluate their overall online counselling experience positively in terms of WAI and SEQ. H2) The therapeutic alliance requires more time to develop in the online medium and so session count should be significantly correlated with WAI. H3) Videoconferencing differs from the rest of the online modalities in the WAI and SEQ scores. H4) Gender and introversion will be significant predictors for both the therapeutic alliance and session impact in online counselling.

Methods: Participants were recruited through social media using a non-probability convenience sampling (n = 102). Participants completed an online survey that included all relevant questionnaires.

Results: The overall rating of SEQ and WAI was high. Session count was significantly correlated with WAI. No significant difference was found between the online modalities in WAI (except for the Goals subscale) or SEQ. Open-mindedness was the only significant predictor for WAI, whereas Agreeableness and Session count were significant predictors for the SEQ Depth subscale.

Implications: The success of online counselling during the pandemic should encourage Mental health providers to consider extending their services across the globe and provide support to a wider range of people.

Item Type: Thesis (Undergraduate)
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Psychology, Applied > Counseling
Divisions: School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User: Clara Chan
Date Deposited: 11 Aug 2021 10:03
Last Modified: 16 Sep 2021 13:27
URI: https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/4927

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