scholarly journals Embodiment of Wearable Technology: Qualitative Longitudinal Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth C Nelson ◽  
Anneke M Sools ◽  
Miriam M R Vollenbroek-Hutten ◽  
Tibert Verhagen ◽  
Matthijs L Noordzij
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
The Body ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Prosthetic Devices ◽  
Technology Innovations ◽  
Longitudinal Investigation ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Fitness Trackers ◽  
Limb Prosthesis

BACKGROUND Current technology innovations, such as wearables, have caused surprising reactions and feelings of deep connection to devices. Some researchers are calling mobile and wearable technologies cognitive prostheses, which are intrinsically connected to individuals as if they are part of the body, similar to a physical prosthesis. Additionally, while several studies have been performed on the phenomenology of receiving and wearing a physical prosthesis, it is unknown whether similar subjective experiences arise with technology. OBJECTIVE In one of the first qualitative studies to track wearables in a longitudinal investigation, we explore whether a wearable can be embodied similar to a physical prosthesis. We hoped to gain insights and compare the phases of embodiment (ie, initial adjustment to the prosthesis) and the psychological responses (ie, accept the prosthesis as part of their body) between wearables and limb prostheses. This approach allowed us to find out whether this pattern was part of a cyclical (ie, period of different usage intensity) or asymptotic (ie, abandonment of the technology) pattern. METHODS We adapted a limb prosthesis methodological framework to be applied to wearables and conducted semistructured interviews over a span of several months to assess if, how, and to what extent individuals come to embody wearables similar to prosthetic devices. Twelve individuals wore fitness trackers for 9 months, during which time interviews were conducted in the following three phases: after 3 months, after 6 months, and at the end of the study after 9 months. A deductive thematic analysis based on Murray’s work was combined with an inductive approach in which new themes were discovered. RESULTS Overall, the individuals experienced technology embodiment similar to limb embodiment in terms of adjustment, wearability, awareness, and body extension. Furthermore, we discovered two additional themes of engagement/reengagement and comparison to another device or person. Interestingly, many participants experienced a rarely reported phenomenon in longitudinal studies where the feedback from the device was counterintuitive to their own beliefs. This created a blurring of self-perception and a dilemma of “whom” to believe, the machine or one’s self. CONCLUSIONS There are many similarities between the embodiment of a limb prosthesis and a wearable. The large overlap between limb and wearable embodiment would suggest that insights from physical prostheses can be applied to wearables and vice versa. This is especially interesting as we are seeing the traditionally “dumb” body prosthesis becoming smarter and thus a natural merging of technology and body. Future longitudinal studies could focus on the dilemma people might experience of whether to believe the information of the device over their own thoughts and feelings. These studies might take into account constructs, such as technology reliance, autonomy, and levels of self-awareness.

scholarly journals Embodiment of Wearable Technology: Qualitative Longitudinal Study

10.2196/16973 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. e16973
Author(s):  
Elizabeth C Nelson ◽  
Anneke M Sools ◽  
Miriam M R Vollenbroek-Hutten ◽  
Tibert Verhagen ◽  
Matthijs L Noordzij
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
The Body ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Prosthetic Devices ◽  
Technology Innovations ◽  
Longitudinal Investigation ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Fitness Trackers ◽  
Limb Prosthesis

Background Current technology innovations, such as wearables, have caused surprising reactions and feelings of deep connection to devices. Some researchers are calling mobile and wearable technologies cognitive prostheses, which are intrinsically connected to individuals as if they are part of the body, similar to a physical prosthesis. Additionally, while several studies have been performed on the phenomenology of receiving and wearing a physical prosthesis, it is unknown whether similar subjective experiences arise with technology. Objective In one of the first qualitative studies to track wearables in a longitudinal investigation, we explore whether a wearable can be embodied similar to a physical prosthesis. We hoped to gain insights and compare the phases of embodiment (ie, initial adjustment to the prosthesis) and the psychological responses (ie, accept the prosthesis as part of their body) between wearables and limb prostheses. This approach allowed us to find out whether this pattern was part of a cyclical (ie, period of different usage intensity) or asymptotic (ie, abandonment of the technology) pattern. Methods We adapted a limb prosthesis methodological framework to be applied to wearables and conducted semistructured interviews over a span of several months to assess if, how, and to what extent individuals come to embody wearables similar to prosthetic devices. Twelve individuals wore fitness trackers for 9 months, during which time interviews were conducted in the following three phases: after 3 months, after 6 months, and at the end of the study after 9 months. A deductive thematic analysis based on Murray’s work was combined with an inductive approach in which new themes were discovered. Results Overall, the individuals experienced technology embodiment similar to limb embodiment in terms of adjustment, wearability, awareness, and body extension. Furthermore, we discovered two additional themes of engagement/reengagement and comparison to another device or person. Interestingly, many participants experienced a rarely reported phenomenon in longitudinal studies where the feedback from the device was counterintuitive to their own beliefs. This created a blurring of self-perception and a dilemma of “whom” to believe, the machine or one’s self. Conclusions There are many similarities between the embodiment of a limb prosthesis and a wearable. The large overlap between limb and wearable embodiment would suggest that insights from physical prostheses can be applied to wearables and vice versa. This is especially interesting as we are seeing the traditionally “dumb” body prosthesis becoming smarter and thus a natural merging of technology and body. Future longitudinal studies could focus on the dilemma people might experience of whether to believe the information of the device over their own thoughts and feelings. These studies might take into account constructs, such as technology reliance, autonomy, and levels of self-awareness.

Integrating Focusing and Differentiation: A Therapeutic Path for Couples in Intimate Relationships

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evi Zohar
Keyword(s):  
Couples Therapy ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The Body ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Emotional Healing ◽  
Felt Sense ◽  
Inner World

Continuing the workshop I've given in the WPC Paris (2017), this article elaborates my discussion of the way I interlace Focusing with Differentiation Based Couples Therapy (Megged, 2017) under the systemic view, in order to facilitate processes of change and healing in working with intimate couples. This article presents the theory and rationale of integrating Differentiation (Bowen, 1978; Schnarch, 2009; Megged, 2017) and Focusing (Gendlin, 1981) approaches, and its therapeutic potential in couple's therapy. It is written from the point of view of a practicing professional in order to illustrate the experiential nature and dynamics of the suggested therapeutic path. Differentiation is a key to mutuality. It offers a solution to the central struggle of any long term intimate relationship: balancing two basic life forces - the drive for individuality and the drive for togetherness (Schnarch, 2009). Focusing is a body-oriented process of self-awareness and emotional healing, in which one learns to pay attention to the body and the ‘Felt Sense’, in order to unfold the implicit, keep it in motion at the precise pace it needs for carrying the next step forward (Gendlin, 1996). Combining Focusing and Differentiation perspectives can cultivate the kind of relationship where a conflict can be constructively and successfully held in the inner world of each partner, while taking into consideration the others' well-being. This creates the possibility for two people to build a mutual emotional field, open to changes, permeable and resilient.

scholarly journals The body self-awareness among women practicing fitness: a preliminary study

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Brytek-Matera ◽  
Anna Kozieł
Keyword(s):  
Body Awareness ◽  
The Body ◽  
Interoceptive Awareness ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Body Attitude ◽  
Attitude Test ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Body Self ◽  
Body Attitude Test ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The purposes of the present study were to explore the relationship between body awareness and negative body attitude, interoceptive body awareness and physical self in women practicing fitness as well as to analyze the determinants of body awareness. The Body Awareness Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire and the Body Attitude Test were applied to 43 women practicing fitness and 32 non-fitness practitioners. Bodily self-awareness was connected with greater fitness practitioners’ interoceptive body awareness and greater physical self. Noticing and global esteem predicted body awareness in women practicing fitness.

scholarly journals Awareness for People With Alzheimer’s Disease: Profiles and Weekly Trajectories

2022 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amandine Mayelle ◽  
Capucine Hazebrouck ◽  
Mohamad El Haj ◽  
Daniel C. Mograbi ◽  
Pascal Antoine
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Interindividual Variability ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Disease Awareness ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Underlying Processes

Objective: To understand awareness and fluctuations of awareness in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), it is fruitful to consider the objects of awareness, e.g., cognitive functioning or recognition of the disease, as well as the mechanisms and modes of expression underlying awareness. With a holistic and discourse-centered approach, we aimed to identify different awareness profiles and test whether these profiles were stable or whether transitions from one profile to another occurred over short time intervals.Methods: Twenty-eight residents of nursing homes with a diagnosis of AD participated in four semistructured interviews at biweekly intervals. These interviews were cluster analyzed to determine profiles of awareness. A Markov chain was applied to model their fluctuation.Results: Five awareness profiles were observed that differed in terms of objects and underlying processes. Awareness proved to be quite stable for four of the five profiles. Interindividual variability in awareness was also observed through numerous different trajectories that were identified.Discussion: Self-awareness and disease awareness are characterized by profiles that vary subtly between individuals. Fluctuations in awareness underscore the need to employ assessment intervals that closely reflect daily life in institutions.

scholarly journals Possible mechanisms of anosognosia: a defect in self–awareness

1998 ◽  
Vol 353 (1377) ◽  
pp. 1903-1909 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
K. M. Heilman ◽  
A. M. Barrett ◽  
J. C. Adair
Keyword(s):  
Population Study ◽  
Sensory Feedback ◽  
Large Population ◽  
The Body ◽  
Spatial Neglect ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Knowledge Of Results ◽  
Present Evidence ◽  
Sensory Deficits ◽  
Parallel Processes

Anosognosia of hemiplegia is of interest for both pragmatic and theoretical reasons. We discuss several neuropsychological theories that have been proposed to explain this deficit. Although for psychological reasons people might deny deficits, the denial hypothesis cannot account for the hemispheric asymmetries associated with this disorder and cannot explain why some patients might deny one deficit and recognize another equally disabling deficit. There is some evidence that faulty feedback from sensory deficits, spatial neglect and asomatognosia might be responsible for anosognosia in some patients. However, these feedback hypotheses cannot account for anosognosia in all patients. Although the hemispheric disconnection hypothesis is appealing, disconnection is probably only a rare cause of this disorder. The feedforward intentional theory of anosognosia suggests that the discovery of weakness is dependent on attempted action and some patients might have anosognosia because they do not attempt to move. We present evidence that supports this theory. The presence of one mechanism of anosognosia, however, does not preclude the possibility that other mechanisms might also be working to produce this disorder. Although a large population study needs to be performed, we suspect that anosognosia might be caused by several of the mechanisms that we have discussed. On the basis of the studies of impaired corporeal self–awareness that we have reviewed, we can infer that normal self–awareness is dependent on several parallel processes. One must have sensory feedback and the ability to attend to both one's body and the space where parts of the body may be positioned or acting. One must develop a representation of the body, and this representation must be continuously modified by expectations (feedforward) and knowledge of results (feedback).

#MeToo: (Re)Shaping sexual research pedagogies through a new material autoethnographic analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. e20210020
Author(s):  
Angela Underhill
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Academic Career ◽  
Human Sexuality ◽  
The Body ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Academic Identities ◽  
Real People ◽  
New Material ◽  
Sexual Research ◽  
Pedagogical Approaches

Historically (and presently), ‘Western’ academic spaces have prioritized certain traits and bodies based on problematic, hierarchical dichotomies. These dichotomies influence ideas around normativity and superiority; for example, truth and reason were historically conceptualized as mutually exclusive from, and of more value than, emotional, subjective experiences, and the body. Such dichotomies perpetuate systems of power and oppression, and they overlook real people who could be in the room who have experienced the ‘abstract’ topic being discussed. In this paper, I extend a call for a shift to embodied pedagogical approaches to the field of human sexuality—a field that comes with heightened risks and opportunities given the nature of topics covered. Through exploring my own experiences within sexuality classrooms at various stages of my academic career, I interrogate the ‘safety’ of distancing academic identities from embodied knowledge; who is actually protected by these practices; who is more at risk? A shift in pedagogical approaches may allow students (and educators) to better engage with, and appreciate, the importance of confronting knowledge that may be emotionally challenging.

scholarly journals Biosensing and Actuation—Platforms Coupling Body Input-Output Modalities for Affective Technologies

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (21) ◽  
pp. 5968
Author(s):  
Miquel Alfaras ◽  
William Primett ◽  
Muhammad Umair ◽  
Charles Windlin ◽  
Pavel Karpashevich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Body Awareness ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
The Body ◽  
First Person ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Affective Experience ◽  
Health Domains ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Feedback Modalities

Research in the use of ubiquitous technologies, tracking systems and wearables within mental health domains is on the rise. In recent years, affective technologies have gained traction and garnered the interest of interdisciplinary fields as the research on such technologies matured. However, while the role of movement and bodily experience to affective experience is well-established, how to best address movement and engagement beyond measuring cues and signals in technology-driven interactions has been unclear. In a joint industry-academia effort, we aim to remodel how affective technologies can help address body and emotional self-awareness. We present an overview of biosignals that have become standard in low-cost physiological monitoring and show how these can be matched with methods and engagements used by interaction designers skilled in designing for bodily engagement and aesthetic experiences. Taking both strands of work together offers unprecedented design opportunities that inspire further research. Through first-person soma design, an approach that draws upon the designer’s felt experience and puts the sentient body at the forefront, we outline a comprehensive work for the creation of novel interactions in the form of couplings that combine biosensing and body feedback modalities of relevance to affective health. These couplings lie within the creation of design toolkits that have the potential to render rich embodied interactions to the designer/user. As a result we introduce the concept of “orchestration”. By orchestration, we refer to the design of the overall interaction: coupling sensors to actuation of relevance to the affective experience; initiating and closing the interaction; habituating; helping improve on the users’ body awareness and engagement with emotional experiences; soothing, calming, or energising, depending on the affective health condition and the intentions of the designer. Through the creation of a range of prototypes and couplings we elicited requirements on broader orchestration mechanisms. First-person soma design lets researchers look afresh at biosignals that, when experienced through the body, are called to reshape affective technologies with novel ways to interpret biodata, feel it, understand it and reflect upon our bodies.

The Use of Theater with Medical Residents

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. Nelles ◽  
Peggy Hamilton ◽  
Paul Robert D’Alessandro ◽  
Sonia Anne Butterworth ◽  
Gerri Frager ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Studies ◽  
Resident Education ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
The Body ◽  
Medical Residents ◽  
Medical Resident ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Educational Tool ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Medical Programs

This chapter looks at the use of theatre as a tool for teaching self-awareness, the effects of bias, the understanding of complex human conditions, empathy, attunement, self-confidence, and decision-making in medical resident education. While more common in undergraduate medical programs and used across the health professions, theatre is emerging as a meaningful tool for education and research in the resident experience. The chapter is set within a performance studies paradigm that includes current understanding of the neuroscientific effect of theater on the body and in relationship, information that provides an explanation of how and why theater is an effective educational tool. It includes a brief literature review and examines four different projects that reflect the ways that theater is being used with Canadian residents in programs across the country.

In Vitro Methods to Evaluate Metal-Cell Interactions

1992 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Ciapetti ◽  
P. Roda ◽  
L. Landi ◽  
A. Facchini ◽  
A. Pizzoferrato
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Human Lymphocytes ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cell Behaviour ◽  
Prosthetic Devices ◽  
In Vitro Methods ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Metal Products ◽  
Nk Cytotoxicity

The aim of this study was to test different metals, widely employed in constructing prosthetic devices, by in vitro methods. Biological effects of such materials were analysed through four different assays on human lymphocytes and granulocytes. The lymphocyte proliferation assay gave quantitative results, while the viability test showed the morphological appearance of the cells correlated well with previous results. NK cytotoxicity and granulocyte chemokinesis tests provided interesting data on leucocyte performance when challenged with metals. Therefore the present study adds new basic information on cell behaviour when metal products are present in the body, e.g. around devices implanted in human tissues

scholarly journals The Accuracy of Fitness Trackers Varies with Their Location on the Body (P16-019-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald Kotler ◽  
Christopher Wu ◽  
Kwame Thompson ◽  
Zachary Jenkins ◽  
Rafay Latif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Activity Monitor ◽  
The Body ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Activity Monitors ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Fitness Tracker ◽  
Fitness Trackers

Abstract Objectives Advances in low cost physiologic monitoring devices have led to the possibility of making objective measures of physical activity in clinical practice. In a previous study, total daily step counts measured by a pedometer were lower than those obtained from a smartphone application, while exercise step counts were similar. It is uncertain which is the more accurate value for total daily steps. Most pedometers are worn on the torso while most fitness trackers are worn on the wrist. Overestimation of daily step counts by wrist-worn fitness trackers have been demonstrated by others. Specific aims: To estimate the precision of pedometer step counts measured during a 400 m walk. To compare daily step counts using a pedometer on the torso and fitness trackers worn on the wrist or on the torso. Methods Six subjects wore a pedometer (Omron Alvita HJ327T) and an activity monitor (Letscom Fitness Tracker ID130Plus ColorHR). Each subject wore the pedometer on the torso and two activity monitors for 3 days; both activity monitors on one wrist, one activity monitor on a wrist and the other on the torso (belt), and the reverse positions of the activity monitors. In addition, each subject completed a 400 m walk on two occasions and walked a total of 500 counted steps. Total and 400 m step counts for the pedometer and activity monitor and the test/retest results during the 400 m walk were compared by paired T test and inter-individual variations were compared by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results Pedometer-measured and counted steps differed by 1%. Test/retest pedometer step counts and times to completion for the 400 m walk both differed by 1.4%. Wrist-worn fitness trackers produced higher step counts than did the pedometers (18.6 + 0.18%, P < 0.002). Fitness trackers worn on the torso gave lower step counts than did the pedometer (−9.2 + 0.08%, P < 0.001). The inter-individual differences were not statistically significant for wrist or torso step counts. Conclusions A pedometer worn on the torso is a precise measure of step counts during a 400 m walk and accurate compared to counted steps. Wrist-worn fitness trackers overestimate total daily step counts, at least compared to a pedometer. The location of the fitness tracker on the body greatly influences its estimation of total daily step counts. Funding Sources Discretionary funds.

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