Abstract

Given the severity and prevalence of mental health concerns among young adults, universities and community clinics have been increasingly invested in improving counseling utilization. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the development of online therapies. Although the availability of online therapies has increased, the process outcomes of actual service users remain unclear. The Theory of Planned Behavior was used to guide the examination of young adults' use of mental health services, and explore group differences in psychological openness, coping, and computer efficacy based on counseling modality. A total of 248 college-aged participants with three help seeking behaviors (tele-mental health counseling, face to face counseling and no counseling) were recruited. MANOVA analysis was used to determine how different service modalities (i.e., online counseling, face-to-face counseling, no counseling) may produce differences in psychological openness, coping, and computer efficacy. Results demonstrated statistically significant differences in coping across tele-mental health, face to face counseling and no counseling groups. However, follow up ANOVA testing revealed amongst the TMH group demographic variables of gender and ethnicity, there was no significant differences based on gender and ethnicity. Implications from the results of this study include (a) greater knowledge relating to the constructs of psychological openness, coping, and computer self-efficacy; (b) increased understanding of the contribution of college students' comparative outcomes within tele-mental health counseling, face to face counseling, and no counseling; and (c) more evidence of impact of clinical tele-mental health counseling on young adults. Furthermore, counselor educators can use the findings to inform counseling programming, particularly tele-mental health training and education. Specific counseling practice, and research recommendations are included.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2022

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Shillingford, Ann

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Community Innovation and Education

Department

Counselor Education and School Psychology

Degree Program

Education; Counselor Education

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0009355; DP0027078

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0027078

Language

English

Release Date

December 2023

Length of Campus-only Access

1 year

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

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