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PREFERENCE FOR CYBER-COUNSELLING AMONG NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Distance counseling is defined as the counseling approach that takes the best practices of traditional counseling as well as some of its own unique advantages and adapts them for delivery to clients via electronic means in order to maximize the use of technology-assisted counseling techniques (Ready Minds 2004). Rawlings (2004) disclosed that distance counseling had been practiced a long time ago. According to her, Sigmund Freud may have been the first modem day distance counselor. He did his counseling through the use of letters. The report added that more recently, the medical community has successfully used tele-medicine to bring services to out-laying and underserved areas.

Also, counseling over the telephone has proven effective. The research literature shows telephone counseling to be cost-effective, clinically useful ethical intervention modality. The American medical Association (2004) reported that researchers found they could significantly increase recovery rates for patients taking depressants by providing several counseling sessions over the phone.

The use of technology such as the internet is just the newest trend of distance counseling. There are a plethora of internet facilities which can provide forms of counseling such as peer support groups for specific problems, message forums and chat rooms, peer-based online discussion, therapy groups and e-mail services. These have been present on the internet for over a decade, with some of them mediated by professional counselors. On-line counseling (also known as e-therapy) is a natural extension of these, involving a one-to-one interaction between a client and a person purporting to offer a professional counseling service.

On-line counseling may be free or fee based, but either category raises a number of important implementation and ethical issues. This paper examines some of these issues by attempting to highlight the prospects and challenges of this medium of counseling intervention in Nigeria.

Even for qualified professionals, the effectiveness of on-line counseling as a clinical method has hardly even begun to be evaluated (Maheu and Gordon 2002). For some potential clients, access to e-counseling services is either currently unavailable or they lack the computing skills to avail themselves of such services. Despite these concerns, fee-based e-counseling appears to be a growth industry. There are strong indications that it is increasing the current client base for therapy by making services available or appealing to populations that previously would not use them. John Grohol, past president of the International Society for Mental Health Online (ISMHO), and a prominent academic and therapist, told the online Journal News Therapist in 2000 that he expected the number of online therapy providers to grow from the then 300 world-wide to over 5,000 by 2005 (in Dunaway, 2000) statistics of e-counseling in a country like Australia as at 2002 was small according to a comprehensive research reported in that year. It identified only 20 fee-based service sites (Coady, 2000).

Counseling in Nigeria is a new innovation. Many Nigerians are not comfortable with sharing their personal problems with any professional person no matter how experienced the professional is. Presenting their problems to a professional makes them have the psychological feeling that they will be thought to be unable to manage their emotional problems. However, everyone needs counseling at one time or the other as no one is an island unto himself. One cannot be an expert in all life issues. There must be areas that will require the others' assistance to overcome challenges. To the average Nigerian, counseling is demeaning and shows weakness. On the other hand, what makes a person strong and ready to grow and develop is receiving expert assistance and information to face overwhelming challenges. (TechMoran, Tues. Jan 13th, 2015). Counseling aims at providing professional guidance to enable individuals develop healthy minds necessary for a healthy sense of judgment and rational thinking. It creates a major impact in reshaping the mindset of many while helping lots of youths and adults attain self-actualization.

Internet counseling in Nigeria is desired to add to the traditional face-to-face counseling to boost counseling services to reach the teeming population that should benefit from counseling activities. The National University provides guidance services to distance learners, staff and the general public within 1 hour to 7 working days and throughout the session. Okopi (2010) explained that the aim of such guidance and counseling is to track a potential student from the point of first inquiry through graduation and often for life intervention strategies and assist him or her to painlessly overcome both academic and socio-psychological obstacles that will militate against his or her successful completion of studies. Such guidance services are provided by student counselors of the university who are qualified counseling psychologists with minimum qualification of masters degree (Okopi 2010). Such counselors are expected to provide induction/orientation activities, academic counseling, information and advising, career and personal counseling (exploring problems and suggesting directions) making referral to the appropriate professionals, assessment, giving feedback to the individual on non-academic issues, aptitude and skills advocacy, making out a case for not supplying study materials registered and paid for, writing references and promoting changes within the institution to benefit students and administration. However, there seems to be no research as to the prevalence of e-counseling in Nigeria. Recently, "Seek an online counseling platform in Nigeria, launched its web and mobile page.

Generally, worldwide, e-counseling sessions utilize traditional face-to-face modalities. Sessions can be individual, group, or family and may be conducted using e-mail, instant internet phone. The most commonly used communication mode of internet counseling and psychological services provisions according to Pelling and Renard (2000) are the e-mail and typed-based chat and to a lesser extent tele-counseling. Mostly, e-counseling takes place at a secure website that uses encryption methods for email and instant messages to assure confidentiality. The intake processes ensure that the client’s presenting problem is one that can be appropriately treated using this medium. The informed consent portion of the intake include procedures should the session end prematurely due to technology failure, emergency contacts, should the therapist need to assure the clients safety, and the limitations of e-counseling explained to the client.

E-counseling follows the best practices of traditional counseling sessions, rapport building, assessment, including use of internet instruments, preparing the client for therapy concrete treatment goals, and planning, skills development and processing communication procedures between sessions and termination and follow-up contexts (Ready Minds 2004).

For the past few years, e-counseling practice has specialized in relationship issues, family and couple communication, parenting concerns, bereavement support, birth parents loss, adoption issues, reunion, infertility and pregnancy loss, parent-teen conflicts, separation, divorce, blended families coping with illness and depression. 

It offers an opportunity for one to consult with a professional as a guide and to receive feedback instantly. It may just be a one-time consultation or a series of e-mail sessions. Many individuals who choose e-counseling mostly tend to present cases that require brief solution-oriented therapy of about 4 – 6 sessions to fulfill their needs. A similar number of people seek on.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In the context of increasing mental health challenges among Nigerian university students, there is a growing need to explore the preference for cyber-counseling as a viable alternative to traditional face-to-face counseling services. However, despite the potential benefits of cyber-counseling, such as accessibility, anonymity, and cost-effectiveness, there is limited empirical research examining the factors influencing Nigerian university students' preference for cyber-counseling. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the factors that contribute to the preference for cyber-counseling among Nigerian university students, including perceived accessibility, confidentiality concerns, technological proficiency, and cultural acceptance. By identifying these factors, the study aims to provide insights that can inform the development and implementation of effective mental health interventions tailored to the needs and preferences of Nigerian university students.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to determine preference for cyber-counseling among Nigerian university student.

Specific objectives include;

1. To investigate the factors influencing Nigerian university students' preference for cyber-counseling over traditional face-to-face counseling services.

2. To assess the effectiveness of cyber-counseling in addressing the mental health needs of Nigerian university students.

3. To explore the potential barriers and facilitators associated with the implementation of cyber-counseling services in Nigerian university settings.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What factors contribute to Nigerian university students' preference for cyber-counseling as opposed to traditional face-to-face counseling?

2. How does cyber-counseling impact the accessibility and utilization of mental health services among Nigerian university students?

3. What are the perceived barriers and facilitators influencing the implementation of cyber-counseling services within Nigerian university contexts?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

1. Nigerian university students who have experienced cyber-counseling will exhibit a higher preference for online mental health support compared to those who have only utilized traditional face-to-face counseling.

2. The utilization of cyber-counseling services will be positively associated with improvements in mental health outcomes among Nigerian university students.

3. Perceived barriers to the implementation of cyber-counseling, such as internet access limitations or privacy concerns, will negatively impact Nigerian university students' willingness to engage with online mental health support platforms.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of studying the preference for cyber counseling among Nigerian university students lies in addressing the increasingly prevalent mental health challenges within this demographic. With the advent of digital technology and its widespread adoption, understanding the factors influencing students' inclination towards cyber counseling can inform the development of tailored and accessible mental health interventions. This study holds promise for enhancing mental health support services by leveraging technology to overcome barriers such as stigma, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, insights gained from this research can contribute to the advancement of culturally relevant and effective mental health strategies, ultimately fostering a supportive and resilient university community in Nigeria.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of this study encompasses a broad range of universities across Nigeria, aiming to investigate the preference for cyber counseling among undergraduate and graduate students in diverse academic disciplines. By examining the attitudes, perceptions, and utilization patterns of cyber counseling services, the study intends to capture the experiences of students from various universities, both public and private, representing different geographical regions, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. Additionally, the scope includes exploring factors such as technological proficiency, cultural acceptance, and accessibility of cyber counseling platforms within the context of Nigerian universities, with the overarching goal of providing comprehensive insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of cyber counseling as a mental health support option for students nationwide.

1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The limitations of this study include potential bias due to self-reported data, which may not accurately represent the entire student population. Additionally, the study's scope focuses solely on university students in Nigeria, limiting generalizability to other demographics or geographical regions. Furthermore, the cross-sectional nature of the research may restrict the ability to establish causality, and external factors such as internet connectivity issues or cultural norms may influence participants' perceptions and behaviors regarding cyber counseling.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Cyber Counseling: The provision of counseling and psychological support services delivered through digital platforms such as websites, mobile apps, video calls, or email, enabling remote access to mental health professionals.

2. Preference: The subjective inclination or choice expressed by individuals towards a particular option or course of action, influenced by personal beliefs, attitudes, and perceived benefits or drawbacks.

3. Nigerian University Students: Students enrolled in tertiary education institutions located within the borders of Nigeria, encompassing both undergraduate and graduate levels of study across various academic disciplines.

4. Mental Health Support:  Services and interventions aimed at promoting psychological well-being, addressing mental health concerns, and enhancing coping mechanisms, encompassing counseling, therapy, education, and resources. 

5. Accessibility: The degree to which cyber counseling services are available, easily reached, and utilized by Nigerian university students, considering factors such as internet connectivity, technological infrastructure, and geographical location.

6. Feasibility: The practicality and viability of implementing cyber counseling as a mental health support option for Nigerian university students, taking into account factors such as resource availability, cultural acceptance, and technological proficiency.

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