Intergenerational differences in the intention to use psychological cybercounseling: A Chinese case study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Health

Background:

• Psychological cybercounseling offers accessible mental health support.
• Understanding factors influencing its adoption is crucial for effective implementation.
• The extended theory of planned behavior (E-TPB) provides a framework for investigating behavioral intentions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors influencing the intention to use psychological cybercounseling in a Chinese sample using the E-TPB model.
• To examine the moderating role of intergenerational differences on the E-TPB variables.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to 1494 Chinese participants.
• Data were collected on intention, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, attitude toward the Internet, social stigma, and computer self-efficacy.
• Structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis were employed.

Main Results:

• The E-TPB model explained 32.5% of the variance in intention to use cybercounseling.
• Subjective norms were the strongest predictor, followed by perceived behavioral control and attitude.
• Intergenerational differences moderated the influence of computer self-efficacy on perceived behavioral control, attitude on intention, and subjective norms on intention.

Conclusions:

• The E-TPB model effectively explains the intention to use psychological cybercounseling in the Chinese context.
• Key determinants include social influences, personal control beliefs, and attitudes.
• Intergenerational differences play a significant role in shaping these intentions, highlighting the need for tailored approaches.