Predictors of e-therapy and face-to-face therapy use for internet users: Personality, attitude, gender, and ethnicity

This study explored whether attitudes toward seeking professional help in face-to-face therapy (ATSPPH, FCAS) and e-therapy formats (OCAS, Pratt Survey Instrument) could be predicted by personality traits (NEO PI-R), dysfunctional attitudes (DAS), gender, and race. U.S. general population adult internet users (n = 199) who were paid members of an online research panel participated in the study. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that gender (male) and the dysfunctional attitude, cognitive imperatives (DAS) were inversely related to recognition of need for professional help (ATSPPH). Hierarchical multiple regression also revealed that race (Latino), the dysfunctional attitude, avoidance of appearing weak (DAS) were inversely related, and the personality trait, Openness to Experience (NEO PI-R) was positively related to interpersonal openness regarding one's problems (ATSPPH). Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that Openness to Experience and Self- Consciousness (NEO PI-R) were positively related to online counseling attitude (OCAS). Hierarchical multiple regression also revealed Extraversion (NEO PI-R) was positively related to face-to-face counseling attitude (FCAS). Standard discriminate analysis revealed that those who prefer some form of e-therapy are likely to be low in Extraversion and high in Openness to Experience and Self-consciousness. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.