Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Steven G. Little

Abstract

Symptoms of mental illness such as anxiety and depression diminish functioning, cause distress, and create an economic burden to individuals and society. This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of video based interventions (VBIs) for the treatment of adults in mental health settings. VBIs comprise four different ways of using video in mental health therapy, including video modeling, video exposure, video feedback, and videos used for psychoeducation. Bandura's social learning theory, Beck's cognitive theory, and Dowrick's theory of feedforward learning form the theoretical framework for understanding how VBIs work. The research questions were: (a) what is the range of effect sizes for VBI in mental health treatment of adults? (b) what is the mean standardized effect size for VBI in this context? and (c) what categorical variables, such as type of mental health issue or specific VBI application, moderate the effect of VBI? A comprehensive literature search strategy and coding plan for between-group studies was developed; the overall effect size for the 60 included studies equaled 0.34. A meta-regression was conducted; although the results were not significant, it is possible that type of VBI may be a moderator. Subgroup analyses by mental health outcome found the largest effect size, 0.48, for caregiving attitude and the smallest effect size, 0.21, for depression. Although the results of this meta-analysis were mixed, this study provides preliminary support for VBI use with adults as an evidence-based treatment. VBIs can contribute to positive social change by improving mental health treatment for the benefit of individuals, families, and society.

Download

Share

 
COinS