Table 5.
Themes, categories, and example codes of perceived disadvantages of Internet-based interventions.
| Themes | Frequency, n (%) | Categories | Example codes | |
| Sample 1 (n=72) |
Sample 2 (n=134) |
|||
| Anonymity | ||||
| 6 (8) | 64 (47.8) | Lack of face-to-face contact with a therapist | Human contact irreplaceable/helpful in itself Impersonal Dehumanizing |
|
| 8 (11) | 10 (7.5) | Lack of empathy and trust | Lack of compassion/trust/affirmation Less closeness in the conversation Less empathic |
|
| Low credibility | ||||
| 12 (17) | 9 (6.7) | Unable to motivate | Would not take it seriously Risk of not going through with the treatment Demands self-discipline |
|
| 9 (13) | 6 (4.5) | Less effective | Impossible to involve the family Less effective Unprofessional |
|
| 3 (4) | 2 (1.5) | Standardized | Less personal Less individualized |
|
| 1 (1) | 0 (0) | Incorrect information | Incorrect/excessive information | |
| Impoverished communication | ||||
| 5 (7) | 3 (2.2) | Absence of body language | Lack of eye contact Not being able to read facial expressions and reactions of the therapist |
|
| 3 (4) | 5 (3.7) | Lack of instant feedback | Inadequate feedback Noninteractive Lack of follow-up questions |
|
| 2 (3) | 3 (2.2) | Misunderstandings | Risk of misunderstandings Difficult to understand the treatment |
|
| 1 (1) | 2 (1.5) | Difficulties expressing oneself |
Difficult to express myself in writing Not being able to make myself understood |
|
| Negative side effects | ||||
| 3 (4) | 9 (6.7) | Self-isolation | I will be alone and isolated at home Nobody to talk to |
|
| 5 (7) | 6 (4.5) | Risk of incorrect decisions | Risk of wrong diagnosis Difficult to identify symptoms and people in need of more help |
|
| Computer literacy/ safety concerns | ||||
| 4 (6) | 2 (1.5) | Confidentiality concerns | Integrity problems Do not trust computers |
|
| 4 (6) | 1 (0.7) | Require technique and technical skills | Demands computer skills and willingness to use a computer Demands access to Internet |
|
| None | 4 (6) | 5 (3.7) | None | N/Aa |
| Do not know | 2 (3) | 7 (5.2) | Do not know | Do not know how it works |
| Total | 72 (100) | 134 (100) | N/A | N/A |
aN/A: not applicable.