Treating procrastination chat-based versus face-to-face: An RCT evaluating the role of self-disclosure and perceived counselor's characteristics. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gieselmann, Annika; Pietrowsky, Reinhard
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 54(2016)
• Page Start: 444
• Page End: 452
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: E-Health -- Computer mediated communication -- Chat-based -- Counseling -- Trust -- Self-disclosure; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2015.08.027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: This article focuses on the differences between chat-based and face-to-face interventions, which are mainly caused by differences in the degree of signal reduction. Students suffering from symptoms of procrastination were randomized and received either face-to-face ( n = 26) or chat-based ( n = 25) counseling, while we accounted for the impact of perceived counselor's characteristics and self-disclosure in both conditions. Both conditions resulted in a comparable decrease in procrastination, fear and insecurity, and aversion to study. Compared to face-to-face, counselors in chat-based communication were perceived as stricter and less attractive. Perceived trustworthiness of the counselor in the chat condition was more strongly associated with treatment outcome than in face-to-face. Clients assigned to the chat condition showed more self-disclosure reflected by their choice of words but not by self-reports. Both kinds of self-disclosure, but particularly self-reported self-disclosure, were associated with better treatment outcome in the chat condition, but not in face-to-face. The data indicated the importance of clients' processing in chat-based counseling: Interventions may be especially beneficial if clients perceive their counselor as being trustworthy and if they self-disclose. Highlights: Face-to-face and chat-based counseling decreased symptoms of procrastination. Chat-based counselors were experienced as stricter and less attractive. Chat-based: The more trustworthy the counselor the better the treatment outcome. Chat-based: The more the client self-disclosed the better the treatment outcome. Do trustworthiness and self-disclosure facilitate symptom reduction in chats?