THE EFFECTS OF INTERNET-BASED PYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY ON THE PROCESS (A Mixed-Method Systematic Review) (Preprint)

Abstract

Psychodynamic therapy is one of the oldest methods of psychotherapy. By focusing on the unconscious processes of the person, it aims to reveal self-awareness and the impact of past experiences on current behaviours. In the past of therapy, it is seen that it is done face to face. However, today's technology and problems cause therapy to be done internet-based. Technological developments provide convenience in internet-based therapy processes. In addition, the pandemic period experienced in recent years has prevented therapies from being carried out face-to-face in a compulsory way. Especially in post-pandemic therapies, face-to-face therapies have been replaced by internet-based therapies.

This study was conducted to determine the processes, results and impact levels of psychodynamic therapy on internet-based platforms.

Within the scope of this study, care was taken to ensure that the interviewees were psychotherapists who had continuous face-to-face meetings beforehand. Data were obtained by searching Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Wiley Online Library, APA PsycNet and TR Index pages on the internet database between October 2023 and February 2024. The studies that were eligible for PICO(S) were examined, and research articles that were conducted within the last 5 years and shared the results of internet-based psychodynamic therapy in the subject content were included. ‘Psychodynamic therapy’, “internet-based” keywords and combinations were used. Descriptive studies, review articles and studies whose full text could not be accessed were not included in the study. This study was planned as a systematic review and was prepared in accordance with the PRISMA protocol.

It is seen that 23.1% of the studies were conducted during the COVID-19 process. 61.5% of the studies were internet-based psychodynamic therapy studies conducted with adolescents. It is seen that internet-based psychodynamic therapy studies were conducted with individuals diagnosed with Depression, Anxiety and Social Anxiety. It is seen that 23.1% of the studies included in the research were conducted using qualitative method and 61.5% were conducted using quantitative research methods. It is seen that scales for depression, generalised anxiety disorder and mood disorders were used in quantitative studies.

Positive results were obtained with internet-based therapies in depression and anxiety disorders. It is thought that proving the usefulness of internet-based therapy contributes a lot to the field of therapy. Individuals in need of therapy have been freed from stress sources such as transport and cost. Internet-based therapies have provided a saving support for individuals who have difficulty in accessing therapists. Likewise, since the costs of internet-based therapies are lower than face-to-face therapies, it has been a facilitator for individuals to reach therapy sessions.