Initial perceptions of Internet-Based Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy for Chronic pain Among Potential Users: Examining Interest, Perceived Barriers, and Strengths

Chronic pain is an important area of study given that 15 to 18% of the Canadian population will develop a chronic pain condition during their lifetime. One difficulty in the self-management of chronic pain is the lack of resources available for those who suffer from this condition. Although preliminary research has demonstrated Internet Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (ICBT) for chronic pain to be a viable treatment option, potential users’ initial perceptions towards this mode of delivery may pose a barrier for the adoption of such programs. The purpose of the study was threefold: to develop a measure of initial perceptions towards ICBT by potential users of the service, to examine variables that may predict early perceptions of ICBT, and to identify perceptions of desirable ICBT components and features. Prior to conducting the research, a small group of individuals (n = 11) with chronic pain were interviewed to develop items for the ICBT perceptions questionnaire. A total of 129 people with chronic pain then completed a survey that assessed demographics, the ICBT perceptions questionnaire, computer selfefficacy, and computer anxiety. Factor analysis of the ICBT perceptions questionnaire suggested most items addressed two factors: statements of potential ICBT strengths and statements of potential ICBT limitations. Regression analysis indicated that female participants and participants high in computer self-efficacy were likely to endorse statements of ICBT strengths and disagree with statements of ICBT limitations. All participants provided ideas about what ICBT program features would be attractive, most notably endorsing the use of multimedia features and group contact features in ICBT. The results of this study provide important information that could assist with future attempts to deliver ICBT to people with chronic pain.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Experimental and Applied Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher

Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Schneider, Luke Hameluck

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Hadjistavropoulos, Heather

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Asmundson, Gordon
• Sharpe, Donald

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

https://doi.org/10.82465/4059

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uregina.scholaris.ca:10294/5436