Amy Lopez1, Brian Rothberg2, Emily Reaser3, Sarah Schwenk1, Rachel Griffin1. 1. Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA. 2. Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA. 3. Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The use of synchronous telemental health for therapy group is a relatively new area of exploration. While telegroups have demonstrated they can be helpful in providing psychoeducation, there is less known about whether synchronous remote groups can develop group cohesion and whether patients can receive the benefit of a supportive group setting. METHODS: A pilot study was conducted comparing group cohesion between patients who participated in a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) group via video teleconferencing (VTC) and patients who participated in an in-person group. RESULTS: Findings indicate that while both groups felt equally connected to the facilitator, there were significant differences between the online and in-person groups on the group cohesion scale. Those in the online group did not feel as connected to other group members as those in the in-person group. Qualitative statements indicate that while an in-person group may have been preferable, the convenience of the online group outweighed any negative effects. Attendance was significantly better in the online group, suggesting that use of this technology may help to overcome barriers preventing treatment participation. The focus of this study was on group cohesion and changes in psychiatric symptoms were not evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The use of telemental health for group therapy appears to be a viable alternative to traditional in-person groups, especially when no other treatment options are available. However, facilitators may need to take extra steps to build group cohesion when members are participating remotely. 2020 mHealth. All rights reserved.
BACKGROUND: The use of synchronous telemental health for therapy group is a relatively new area of exploration. While telegroups have demonstrated they can be helpful in providing psychoeducation, there is less known about whether synchronous remote groups can develop group cohesion and whether patients can receive the benefit of a supportive group setting. METHODS: A pilot study was conducted comparing group cohesion between patients who participated in a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) group via video teleconferencing (VTC) and patients who participated in an in-person group. RESULTS: Findings indicate that while both groups felt equally connected to the facilitator, there were significant differences between the online and in-person groups on the group cohesion scale. Those in the online group did not feel as connected to other group members as those in the in-person group. Qualitative statements indicate that while an in-person group may have been preferable, the convenience of the online group outweighed any negative effects. Attendance was significantly better in the online group, suggesting that use of this technology may help to overcome barriers preventing treatment participation. The focus of this study was on group cohesion and changes in psychiatric symptoms were not evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The use of telemental health for group therapy appears to be a viable alternative to traditional in-person groups, especially when no other treatment options are available. However, facilitators may need to take extra steps to build group cohesion when members are participating remotely. 2020 mHealth. All rights reserved.
Entities:
Keywords:
Online therapy groups; group cohesion; online dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) groups; telemental health; video teleconferencing (VTC) groups
Authors: Carolyn J Greene; Leslie A Morland; Alexandra Macdonald; B Christopher Frueh; Kathleen M Grubbs; Craig S Rosen Journal: J Consult Clin Psychol Date: 2010-10
Authors: Amanda Zayde; Anna Kilbride; Audrey Kucer; Henry A Willis; Adella Nikitiades; Jonathan Alpert; Vilma Gabbay Journal: Am J Psychother Date: 2021-09-16
Authors: Mariya Kovaleva; Joe R Nocera; Kenneth Hepburn; Melinda Higgins; Rachel Nash; Fayron Epps; Glenna Brewster; Elizabeth Bilsborough; Amy A Blumling; Patricia C Griffiths Journal: Res Nurs Health Date: 2022-01-25 Impact factor: 2.238
Authors: Richard Lakeman; Peter King; John Hurley; Richard Tranter; Andrew Leggett; Katrina Campbell; Claudia Herrera Journal: Int J Ment Health Nurs Date: 2022-01-19 Impact factor: 5.100