الفروق بين عملاء الخدمات النفسية التقليدية والافتراضية في الفعالية والاتجاه بدولة الكويت

Khawlah Abulhamid Al-Bilali; Othman  Humood Al-Khader

doi:10.35516/hum.v52i6.7830

Authors

Khawlah Abulhamid Al-Bilali Department of Psychology, College of Social Sciences, Kuwait University, State of Kuwait, Kuwait
Othman Humood Al-Khader Department of Psychology, College of Social Sciences, Kuwait University, State of Kuwait, Kuwait https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4699-8796

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/hum.v52i6.7830

Keywords:

Traditional Psychological Services, Online Psychological Services, Virtual Psychotherapy, Therapeutic Relationship, Client Satisfaction, Therapeutic Alliance.

Abstract

Objectives: This study compares the effectiveness of the therapeutic relationship and client satisfaction between traditional face-to-face and virtual psychological services. The findings could enhance psychological services and help overcome barriers to therapy by leveraging technology.

Methods: The study used a convenience sample of 134 participants (23 males, 113 females) who accessed psychological services in Kuwait, with an average age of 31.92 years (SD = 8.29). Participants were divided into three groups based on service delivery mode (in-person, virtual, or combined). Using a causal-comparative design, the study employed the Therapeutic Alliance Scale (Snieckus et al., 2007) and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (Attkisson & Greenfield, 2004), both adapted for Arabic speakers. The results showed good reliability and validity for both measures.

Results: All four hypotheses of the study were confirmed, showing no statistically significant differences between the three service delivery groups in terms of the therapeutic relationship and client satisfaction. This suggests that all groups experienced a high level of satisfaction with the services provided and established a strong therapeutic relationship, regardless of the mode of service delivery.

Conclusion: The provision of psychological services in a virtual format has proven to be a successful approach in Kuwait, as it effectively fosters the therapeutic relationship and creates a positive impression among clients. To further enhance this service, the study recommends conducting additional research on the attitudes toward and effectiveness of virtual therapy from the perspective of therapists.

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