Date of Award:

12-2009

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Human Development and Family Studies

Department name when degree awarded

Family, Consumer, and Human Development

Committee Chair(s)

D. Kim Openshaw

Committee

D. Kim Openshaw

Committee

Scot M. Allgood

Committee

Kay Bradford

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine change in symptoms of anxiety and satisfaction experienced by participants who received acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) by using technologically assisted psychotherapeutic interventions (TAPI). TAPI utilizes the internet as a medium to make mental health services available and accessible to people residing in rural communities. The participants in this study were women who were experiencing severe levels of anxiety and lived in a rural community. Measures were taken at three different points in the study (pretherapy, posttherapy, and 6-months posttherapy). Participants received therapy over the internet via Macromedia Breeze videoconferencing to reduce symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Seven women from rural Utah communities volunteered to participate in the study.

This study found that symptoms of anxiety were reduced immediately posttherapy and that the change was sustained 6-months posttherapy. In regards to the satisfaction, participants indicated high levels of satisfaction with their TAPI experience. This high level of satisfaction was maintained 6-months posttherapy.

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