Percepção e Uso de Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação por Psicoterapeutas

Abstract

This paper reports and discusses the results of a study that investigated the perception and the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by psychotherapists. The design of the study was quantitative, exploratory, descriptive and cross-sectional with a sample of 155 psychotherapists, graduated in psychology, between 23 and 72 years (M = 36.74, SD = 11.45). These clinical professionals answered to an online questionnaire about perception and use of ICTs. The results showed that ICTs are significantly present in the daily lives of psychotherapists, but their use in the professional context is more restricted. Except regarding the request of friendships, via Facebook by patients, the clinical professionals do not feel uncomfortable in communicating with patients through ICT. The participants were in doubt about their perceptions of the legal resolutions on ICT and psychotherapy. It was evidenced the need for more empirical studies about the use of social networks by psychotherapists. The development of studies with a randomized national sample for a more general description about the use of ICT by Brazilian psychotherapists, as well as qualitative design studies to reach a better understanding of this subject are suggested.