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

Abstract

Objective: This study applied an extended theory of planned behavior (E-TPB) model to investigate factors that contribute to the intention to use psychological cybercounseling in a Chinese sample. The moderating effects of intergenerational differences on relationships of E-TPB variables were also tested.

Methods: A total of 1494 Chinese participants M_age = 18.95 years, SD = 10.19; 49.9 % male) completed a self-report questionnaire measuring seven constructs: intention (INT), attitude (ATT), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC), attitude toward the Internet (ATI), social stigma of seeking psychological help (SSSPH), and computer self-efficacy (CSE).

Results: Structural equation modeling showed that the E-TPB model accounted for 32.5 % of variance in INT. SN was the strongest determinant of INT, followed by PBC and ATT. Multi-group analysis revealed that intergenerational differences significantly moderated three paths: CSE → PBC, ATT → INT, and SN → INT.

Conclusion: The results demonstrated the efficacy of E-TPB in explaining the intention to use psychological cybercounseling in a Chinese sample. Several factors related to the intention to use psychological cybercounseling were identified in this sample.

Practice implications: The results can help promote psychological cybercounseling use in this population.

Keywords: Chinese; E-TPB; Intention; Intergeneration; Psychological cybercounseling.