The Validation of a Telepresence Scale for Psychotherapy Delivered in Videoconference

The Telepresence in Videoconference Scale (TVS) was developed and tested over several years, but its psychometric properties have not been formally documented. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and factor structure of the TVS. A total of 157 participants completed the scale following a videoconference session with a psychotherapist delivered over four clinical trials. The TVS was submitted to an exploratory factor analysis using the Principal Components method and a Varimax rotation. Three factors were found: "Physical Presence", "Interaction", and "Absorption". Inter-item correlations and Cronbach's alpha were conducted to measure the internal consistency of the scale. Discriminant validity and convergent validity were assessed with the Immersive Tendencies Questionnaire and the Distance Communication Comfort Scale. The results suggest that this revised version of the Telepresence in Videoconference Scale is a reliable and valid tool to measure clients' sense of presence during psychotherapy sessions delivered over videoconference technologies. Future research could examine whether this scale may be used in different contexts and with different populations.