Degree Name

MA (Master of Arts)

Program

Psychology

Date of Award

12-2013

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Jodi Polaha

Committee Members

Stacey Williams, Steve Marshall

Abstract

Technology is a promising means for increasing rural individuals’ access to behavioral healthcare. However, the range of technology use in rural areas is currently unknown. The aims of this study were to examine the use of technology in rural areas, the relationship between technology use and willingness to access pediatric mental health services via videoconferencing, and this relationship within the context of other critical variables linked to service uptake. Data were collected at 2 pediatric primary care clinics. While no significant relationship was found between technology use and willingness to use videoconferencing, a significant relationship emerged between previous service seeking and willingness to use videoconferencing. These findings indicate the need for more research examining other variables’ relationships to willingness to seek help via technology, such as general help-seeking attitudes, unfamiliarity with videoconferencing services, or other variables included in previously established models of technology adoption.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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