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Updated: Nov 6, 2025

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Online psychological counselling during lockdown reduces anxiety symptoms and negative affect: Insights from Italian
Giuseppe Alessio Carbone1, Alessandro Zarfati2, Maria Sole Nicoli2
1Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Several studies have shown how COrona VIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the consequent isolation and quarantine measures could affect physical and mental well-being. Therefore, the increased request for support and assistance represents a critical challenge for clinicians requiring a reorganization of care systems. In this regard, online counselling has been identified as a useful tool in providing psychological assistance and support. Thus, the main purpose of the current study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of a single online counselling session in reducing psychopathological symptoms (i.e., state anxiety and negative affect) and increasing individual well-being and positive affect during the first Italian lockdown. Fifty-three subjects were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive an online counselling session [Online Counselling Group (OCG) = 26] or to act as controls [Waiting List Group (WLG) = 27]. In the post-assessment, compared to WLG, the OCG showed a significant decrease in negative affect (18.04 ± 6.30 vs. 30.26 ± 8.61; F1:47 = 29.45; p < .001; dppc2 = .92) and state anxiety (36.65 ± 8.35 vs. 48.04 ± 11.51; F1:47 = 17.86; p < .001; dppc2 = .49). Taking into account the cyclical nature of COVID-19, with the possibility of new peaks and waves, it would be appropriate to consider the versatility and usefulness of online psychological counselling in the management of COVID-19-related distress.
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