Presentation Information
[P-31-01]Preferred modality of psychotherapy delivery is impacted by attitudes towards psychological help-seeking: A comparative analysis of online versus face-to-face modalities in the Middle East
*Zahir Vally1, Roxanne Wolmarans1, Mai Helmy2 (1.United Arab Emirates University(United Arab Emirates), 2.Sultan Qaboos University(Oman))
Keywords:
Self-stigma,Attitudes,Online,Face-to-face,Help-seeking
As mental health concerns continue to rise globally, many individuals encounter barriers to seeking help, often driven by attitudes, beliefs, and self-stigma. This issue is particularly prevalent in Arab cultures. The primary aim of this study was to explore how these factors influence help-seeking behaviors, comparing preferences for online versus face-to-face therapy. A cross-sectional survey was conducted that included assessments of self-directed stigma, attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, attitudes toward online counselling, and toward face-to-face counselling. The study included 414 university students from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Oman. The findings revealed significant differences in how attitudes, beliefs, and self-stigma affected the intention to seek help, with these factors having a greater impact on those preferring face-to-face therapy compared to online therapy. Attitudes towards therapy were strongly correlated with the preferred therapy modality in both groups. These results are important as they shed light on how online therapy can help reduce barriers related to self-stigma and provide mental health professionals with valuable insights into the influence of stigma and personal experiences on therapy-seeking behaviors.