Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Susan Rarick

Abstract

The occurrence of depression in the United States is steadily increasing. In every age group, women have a higher rate of depression than men, and U.S. women between the ages of 40 and 59 have a depression rate of 12%. Adult women living in rural areas experience physical and/or psychological impairment and lack access to mental health treatment. The purpose of this quantitative nonexperimental study was to examine participants' preferences for treatment delivery method based on patient perceptions of the clinical experience, patient satisfaction, and therapeutic bond. The working alliance theory provided the theoretical foundation. Data collection included survey responses from a self-selected sample of 264 adult females ages 40 to 65. Results from independent sample t tests indicated that participants favored CBT treatment delivered via videoconferencing more than in-person treatment. Implications for social change include improving the lives of adult women suffering from depression by providing treatment via videoconferencing when in-person services are not available. Psychologists may apply findings in clinical practice, thereby benefiting individuals, families, and communities.

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