E-therapy with children and adults

Abstract

The effects of e-therapy outcomes by age group deserve special attention. A meta-analysis done by Barak et al. (2008) showed that among four age group categories, client’s age made a difference in terms of his/her ability to gain from the therapy given via the Internet. The findings showed that middle-aged adults (25–39) seemed to be more effectively treated than younger or older adults (Barak et al. 2008). However, these findings may be a temporary result of issues that are becoming less of a factor such as the availability and acceptance of computers, and usage skills associated with the Internet (Barak et al. 2008). In fact, researchers have shown that online therapy can be highly effective for children as well as senior adults (Hill et al., Nurs Res 55:34–42, 2006; Lorig et al., Med Care 44:964–971, 2006; Marziali and Donahue, Gerontologist 46:398–403, 2006). This chapter will explore the implications for e-therapy practice among adults and children with specific breakdown as follows: children (aged 3–12), adolescents (aged 13–17), emerging adults, (aged 18–25), young adults (aged 25–35), middle adults (aged 35–55), older adults (aged 55–65), and senior adults (aged 65 or older).