The Need for Web-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy Among University Students

ABSTRACT

This study investigates students' need for a web-based cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) intervention program for preventing depression, the mental health status of those who felt a need for such a program, and underlying factors of the intention to use web-based self-help. A conceptual model for explaining intention to use web-based self-help is proposed. Nearly half of the participants reported a need for help with psychological problems, but only a third of these actually sought help from traditional mental health services. In conclusion, there is a need for web-based self-help, and web-based CBT has the potential to attract a group of students who, so far, have not been reached by traditional mental health services.

KEYWORDS:

• CBT
• depression
• internet-based intervention
• mental health
• TPB
• university

Notes

Note: Post hoc Bonferroni was carried out to show what classes differed between one another. Significant differences are marked with separate specific notes.

^a Unmet-need group differed from no-need group. M_diff = 5.80 p = .000.

^b Sought-help group differed from no-need group. M_diff = 3.40 p = .026.

^c Unmet-need group differed from no-need group. M_diff = 12.40 p = .000.

^d Sought-help group differed from no-need group. M_diff = 9.10 p = .010.

∗p < .001.

Note: ∗p < .05; ∗∗p < .01.

Note: ∗p < .05; ∗∗p < .01; ∗∗∗p < .001. The dependent measure is the mean score of intention to use MoodGYM. ΔR² = R² change.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ove K. Lintvedt

Ove K. Lintvedt, PsyD, Department of Psychology, University of Troms⊘, Norway.

Kristian S⊘rensen

Kristian S⊘rensen, PsyD, Department of Psychology, University of Troms⊘, Norway.

Andreas R. Østvik

Andreas R. Østvik, PsyD, Department of Psychology, University of Troms⊘, Norway.

Bas Verplanken

Bas Verplanken, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Troms⊘, Norway; University of Bath, United Kingdom.

Catharina E. Wang

Catharina E. Wang, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Troms⊘, Norway.