Cyber Counseling Research Articles

Analysis of Client Propensity in Cyber Counseling Using Bayesian Variable Selection

Cyber counseling, one of the most compatible type of consultation for the information society, enables people to reveal their mental agonies and private problems anonymously, since it does not require face-to-face interview between a counsellor and a client. However, there are few cyber counseling centers which provide high quality and trustworthy service, although the number of cyber counseling center has highly increased. Therefore, this paper is intended to enable an appropriate consultation for each client by analyzing client propensity using Bayesian variable selection. Bayesian variable selection is superior to stepwise regression analysis method in finding out a regression model. Stepwise regression analysis method, which has been generally used to analyze individual propensity in linear regression model, is not efficient since it is hard to select a proper model for its own defects. In this paper, based on the case database of current cyber counseling centers in the web, we will analyze clients' propensities using Bayesian variable selection to enable individually target counseling and to activate cyber counseling programs.

Development and Evaluation of a Web-based Support Program for the Maternal Role of Primiparas

This study was conducted to develop and evaluate a Web-based program for the maternal role of primiparas who use the internet. The study process was a systems requirements analysis, design and development of a program, program testing by experts, program implementation, and program evaluation by users. A nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design was used. The data was collected from October 5th, 2002 to February 24th, 2003. 1. Based on inquiries into mothers' needs, a Web-based support program was developed. The program was then modified from feedback received from experts. 2. In a sub-scale analysis of mothers' perception of a baby, amenability and persistence was significantly higher in the intervention group. The differences in the mean score of maternal self-confidence and maternal satisfaction were significant. 3. Cyber counseling was done for a total of 73 cases and the most frequent problems for counseling were feeding and nutrition (28.8%), followed by baby care, and health problems. It was proven that a Web-based support program provided appropriate support to primiparas and was effective in promoting their maternal role. Therefore, this study suggests that a Web-based support program for primiparas can become a powerful nursing intervention on virtually all mother and infant health concerns.

Design of Target Cyber Counseling System using Counseling Assistance Agent

Because of the characteristics of the cyber world, such as usefulness, anonymousness, patency, economic performance, rapidness, etc., cyber counseling has great possibility. Because he or she may not meet a consultant directly, a client can expose his/her inside problems or secret personal problems, keeping anonymousness. However, existing cyber counseling has the limit in durability of counseling because target counseling appropriate to a client is impossible and a counseling activity is done by one time counseling. In this paper, we attempt to develop a target cyber counseling system in which target cyber counseling is possible. The system will use a counseling assistance agent who can play the role of a counseling supporter as well as a counselor in the cyber space. If target counseling becomes possible, it can heighten efficiency of cyber counseling because a client is satisfied with the result of counseling and thus counseling activities can be continued.

Cyber Counseling for Queer Clients and Clinicians

As the Internet grows, so does its use by mental health professionals and by clients seeking mental health services. Drawing on his own experience as an example, the author describes how the Internet can enhance clinical practice. Social service professionals can utilize the Internet to provide a supportive forum for patients grappling with issues of self-identity; facilitate communication between therapist and client; provide community education about mental health issues; provide referrals to local social service professionals; market a private psychotherapy practice; and provide patient billing, scheduling, and record keeping.