Counselling V. Coaching, the Effect of Terminology on the Perception of Mental Health Help-Seeking

Keller, Sebastian (2021) Counselling V. Coaching, the Effect of Terminology on the Perception of Mental Health Help-Seeking. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Background: Present research suggests perception of mental health support is a major contributor in attitudes towards and the use of psychological intervention. Research was conducted with the aim of discovering the effects of terminology on the barrier of perception in regards to mental health help-seeking. The researchers were specifically interested in examining the perceptions of counselling and coaching. The goal of this paper is to understand whether substituting terms for similar interventions will have an effect on the perceptions, and in turn the utilization of the interventions.

Methods: Virtually recruited participants took a questionnaire aimed to assess perceptions on counselling and coaching. The ATSPPH-SF was adapted to include “counselling” and “coaching” in place of the term “psychological help”.

Results: There was a significant difference between scores (p =.001) where counselling scored higher than coaching with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = .70). Gender differences displayed a significant difference where males scored higher than females meaning males attitudes were more negative towards the interventions (p < .001). The effect size here was large (Cohen’s d = .78).

Conclusion: Language can impact the attitude an individual has towards psychological interventions. Areas such as health and education should consider this when labelling professional positions. The findings included the results should be considered when discussing the regulation of coaching as an alternative. As a regulated practice, coaching could be preformed to a universal set of standards, as well as considered for insurance coverage.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Psychology, Applied
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	12 Aug 2021 13:41
Last Modified:	16 Sep 2021 15:17
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/4942

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