Psychology in the digital age : the impact and implications of information and communication technologies for the practitioner

Abstract

This study examines the use of contemporary information and communication technologies by the psychological community of New Zealand. Participants were 39 registered psychologists. Information was obtained by sending anonymous questionnaires to a random sample of registered psychologists who were listed on the Register held by the New Zealand Psychologists Board. In an attempt to analyse the communication phenomena found in traditional face-to-face dyadic interactions between psychologist-to-client and peer-to-peer interaction, and the impact that on-line communication applications have on these processes, this study draws on the general principals of Systems Theory and the related fields of Information Theory and Cybernetics. In keeping with international findings, the results from this study suggest that modern technologies have had a significant impact on the psychological discipline at many levels. For example, the data supports international findings that the Internet is the preferred communication tool amongst psychologists. The power of the Internet as an exceptional research tool has also been recognised for some time by New Zealand psychologists. The data also suggests that participants are as hesitant to incorporate technology into therapeutic work, and for the same reasons, as their international counterparts. However, this study finds that while participants are aware of the limitations of Internet-mediated communication, they appear, in the main, to be unaware of the benefits these technologies offer. For example, despite limitations much of the current literature suggests that many technologies that are already available are viable facilitators of therapeutic care. With increased acceptance of contemporary communication technology will come increased use. Understanding how technology can compliment, not replace traditional modes of communication is fundamental to acceptance and advancing the use of Internet-mediated communication. The conclusion offers that clients will begin to demand their service providers utilise the expedience and efficiency of on-line services. For the clinician, existing technologies as well as emerging technologies such as virtual applications will result in increased advantages that will result in clinical practice becoming more efficient. It will help to promote collaborative work amongst mental health professionals and provide unique research opportunities, all of which will improve the quality of clinical psychology and will ultimately result in benefit to the client.