Serious Games and Gamified Tools for Psychological Intervention

Mobile Apps ◽

Behavioral Assessment ◽

Mobile Technologies ◽

Psychological Wellbeing ◽

Self Help ◽

Technological Advances

Mobile technologies and technological advances in behavioral assessment have found their way in common healthcare practices. However, there are still few studies about videogame-based interventions to support concrete psychological treatments. While the market for self-help mobile apps is continuously increasing, in most cases, they are a mere digitalization of texts contained in self-help books and do not take advantage of the interactive and playful potential of devices on which they are offered. Nevertheless, a number of health games have been developed for children and adults for a variety of therapeutic purposes. The current chapter provides an overview of the state-of-the-art serious games currently available as psychological interventions across popular delivery formats (virtual reality environments, online and PC videogames). Where available, evidence about their efficacy is reported. These serious games have the potential to complement traditional psychological interventions and improve psychological wellbeing for people of all ages.

Communicating “What's Not Said”

International Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development ◽

10.4018/ijskd.2016070104 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 46-55

Author(s):

Marguerite Barry ◽

Kevin Doherty ◽

Gavin Doherty

Keyword(s):

Mobile Apps ◽

Human Values ◽

Mobile Technologies ◽

Psychological Wellbeing ◽

Ethical Reflection ◽

Cultural Issues ◽

Human Flourishing ◽

Self Knowledge ◽

Ethical Approaches ◽

App Design

Technologies designed to access our personal worlds have the potential to profoundly influence the way we live and to promote human flourishing. They also require an ethical approach to their design that takes human values into account. Mobile technologies for psychological wellbeing present particular challenges that require a sustainable approach to ethical reflection from early in the design process. This paper offers insights into ethical approaches to design, through projects that explore the potential for using mobile apps for reporting psychological wellbeing. It reports on feedback from a focus group with valuable insights for app design in particular contexts of use that help to inform discourse more generally around designing technologies for wellbeing. The discussion focuses on the practical and cultural issues that arise and explores how technologies can mediate self-knowledge and information in ways that might otherwise remain unsaid, but is crucial for successful outcomes both clinically and in design.

Communicating “What's Not Said”

Innovations in Global Maternal Health ◽

10.4018/978-1-7998-2351-3.ch015 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 355-368

Author(s):

Marguerite Barry ◽

Kevin Doherty ◽

Gavin Doherty

Keyword(s):

Mobile Apps ◽

Human Values ◽

Mobile Technologies ◽

Psychological Wellbeing ◽

Ethical Reflection ◽

Cultural Issues ◽

Human Flourishing ◽

Self Knowledge ◽

Ethical Approaches ◽

App Design

Technologies designed to access our personal worlds have the potential to profoundly influence the way we live and to promote human flourishing. They also require an ethical approach to their design that takes human values into account. Mobile technologies for psychological wellbeing present particular challenges that require a sustainable approach to ethical reflection from early in the design process. This paper offers insights into ethical approaches to design, through projects that explore the potential for using mobile apps for reporting psychological wellbeing. It reports on feedback from a focus group with valuable insights for app design in particular contexts of use that help to inform discourse more generally around designing technologies for wellbeing. The discussion focuses on the practical and cultural issues that arise and explores how technologies can mediate self-knowledge and information in ways that might otherwise remain unsaid, but is crucial for successful outcomes both clinically and in design.

Psychological interventions for managing postpartum psychosis: a qualitative analysis of women’s and family members’ experiences and preferences

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-019-2378-y ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

R. Forde ◽

S. Peters ◽

A. Wittkowski

Keyword(s):

Psychological Impact ◽

Family Members ◽

Psychological Needs ◽

Postpartum Psychosis ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Seeking Safety ◽

The Future ◽

Severe Disorder

Abstract Background Postpartum psychosis is a rare, yet severe disorder, in which early identification and immediate intervention are crucial. Despite recommendations for psychological input, little is known about the types of psychological intervention reported to be helpful. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences, needs and preferences for psychological intervention from the perspective of women with postpartum psychosis and from the perspective of family members. Methods Thirteen women and eight family members, including partners were interviewed. The data from these semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and inductively analysed using thematic analysis. Results Twelve subthemes were identified and then organised around three main themes: 1) Seeking safety and containment, 2) Recognising and responding to the psychological impact and 3) Planning for the future. These themes highlight the temporal element of recovery from postpartum psychosis, because women’s psychological needs and preferences changed over time. Emphasis was initially placed on ensuring safety, followed by a need to connect, process and adjust to their experiences. Additional needs were reported by women and family when planning for the future, including managing the fear of relapse and help to reach a decision about future pregnancies. Conclusion The results illustrate a range of areas in which psychological intervention could be delivered to facilitate and enhance recovery. Further research is needed to develop meaningful and effective psychological interventions and to investigate the most appropriate timing for this to be offered.

Psychological interventions as an alternative and add-on to antidepressant medication to prevent depressive relapse: systematic review and meta-analysis

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.2020.198 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Josefien Johanna Froukje Breedvelt ◽

Maria Elisabeth Brouwer ◽

Mathias Harrer ◽

Maria Semkovska ◽

David Daniel Ebert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Antidepressant Medication ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Relapse Risk ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Antidepressant Use ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Risk Of Relapse

Background After remission, antidepressants are often taken long term to prevent depressive relapse or recurrence. Whether psychological interventions can be a viable alternative or addition to antidepressants remains unclear. Aims To compare the effectiveness of psychological interventions as an alternative (including delivered when tapering antidepressants) or addition to antidepressants alone for preventing depressive relapse. Method Embase, PubMed, the Cochrane Library and PsycINFO were searched from inception until 13 October 2019. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with previously depressed patients in (partial) remission where preventive psychological interventions with or without antidepressants (including tapering) were compared with antidepressant control were included. Data were extracted independently from published trials. A random-effects meta-analysis on time to relapse (hazard ratio, HR) and risk of relapse (risk ratio, RR) at the last point of follow-up was conducted. PROSPERO ID: CRD42017055301. Results Among 11 included trials (n = 1559), we did not observe an increased risk of relapse for participants receiving a psychological intervention while tapering antidepressants versus antidepressants alone (RR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.84–1.25; P = 0.85). Psychological interventions added to antidepressants significantly reduced the risk of relapse (RR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.74–0.97; P = 0.01) compared with antidepressants alone. Conclusions This study found no evidence to suggest that adding a psychological intervention to tapering increases the risk of relapse when compared with antidepressants alone. Adding a psychological intervention to antidepressant use reduces relapse risk significantly versus antidepressants alone. As neither strategy is routinely implemented these findings are relevant for patients, clinicians and guideline developers.

The Motivation Journey: A Grounded Theory Study on Female Cancer Survivors’ Experience of a Psychological Intervention for Quality of Life

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18030950 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 950

Author(s):

Ilaria Durosini ◽

Lucrezia Savioni ◽

Stefano Triberti ◽

Paolo Guiddi ◽

Gabriella Pravettoni

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Grounded Theory ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Theory Approach ◽

Axial Coding ◽

Motivation To Participate ◽

Female Cancer Survivors

Psychological interventions are proposed to cancer survivors to support their quality of life against the emotional trauma of cancer and the side effects of treatment. Psychological interventions often require patient engagement and commitment to activities that could be more or less demanding in terms of lifestyle change (e.g., psychotherapy, sports). Analyzing participant motivations (personal aims, expectations, needs) prior to participation is useful to predict their adherence to the intervention as well as final outcomes. Yet, participant motivations may evolve during the intervention because the intervention experience turns out to be meaningful and positively challenging. The present study aimed to obtain a preliminary understanding of the process of motivation change in female cancer survivors who participated in a sport-based intervention to promote quality of life by employing a grounded theory approach. Data analysis took place alongside data collection and according to the procedure of grounded theory (“open coding”, “axial coding”, and “selective coding”) in order to describe the process of motivation change during women’s participation in psychological intervention for quality of life. On 14 women interviewed, 13 reported changing their motivation to participate during the first months of involvement, mostly changing from individualistic to group-related motivations (i.e., from self-care to friendship with other participants and enriching group membership), and from physical to psychological growth (i.e., pursuing not only physical health but also self-fulfillment). The discussion explains the preliminary aspects of the motivation change process and highlights the importance to monitor motivation dynamics within psychological interventions.

Adapting game’s evaluation metrics to virtual reality serious games and its validation on “Hellblade: Senu’s Sacrifice” (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.29677 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kim Martinez ◽

Maria Isabel Menéndez-Menéndez ◽

David Checa ◽

Andres Bustillo

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Video Game ◽

Game Design ◽

Serious Games ◽

Research Field ◽

Raising Awareness ◽

Quantitative Rating ◽

Study Case ◽

Definition Of

BACKGROUND The design of Virtual Reality Serious Games (VR-SG) is a subject still developing. One of its open developments is the definition of metrics to evaluate the fun and learning result. In this way, weaknesses and strengths in the design of serious games can be found for future works in this research field. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to create a metric that can be used to rate the gameplay of VR-SG. This metric’s novelty allows to evaluate the different fun and learning features and give them a quantitative rating. A study case shows the capability of implementing this evaluation to identify strengths and weaknesses of VR-SGs. METHODS The new VR-SG metric is developed on the basis of the Mechanics, Dynamics and Aesthetic (MDA) framework but including User Experience (UX) elements and adapting them to VR-SG. This metric includes 1) UX aspects: VR-headsets, training tutorials and interactive adaptions to avoid VR inconveniences; and 2) MDA aspects: exclusive VR audiovisual elements and its aesthetics interactions. RESULTS The selected indie serious game is Hellblade, developed to raise awareness about the difficulties of people suffering from psychosis with two versions: one for 2D-screens and the other for VR devices. The comparison of metric´s scores for both versions shows: 1) some VR dynamics increase the gameplay impact and therefore, the educational capacity; and 2) flaws in game design where the scores drop down. Some of these flaws are: reduced number of levels, missions and items, lack of a tutorial to enhance usability and lack of strategies and rewards in the long-term to increase motivation. CONCLUSIONS This metric allows to identify the elements of the gameplay and UX that are necessary to learn in VR experiences. The study case shows this research is useful to evaluate the educational utility of VR-SG. Further works will analyze VR applications to synthetize every game element influencing its intrinsic sensations. CLINICALTRIAL The trials have not been registered, as testing for this metric has not involved people with mental conditions or addressed other medical applications. Hellblade is a commercial video game that anyone can purchase and play. The trials have been carried out to obtain results on the gaming experience of different people in relation to the educational purpose of raising awareness of psychosis.

P–511 Characteristics of psychological services for couples undergoing ART treatment in Italy

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab130.510 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

A Renzi ◽

R Spoletini ◽

M D Trani ◽

G Scaravelli

Keyword(s):

Psychological Services ◽

Health Study ◽

National Study ◽

Medical Procedure ◽

Psychological Service ◽

Shared Information ◽

Registration Number ◽

Italian Art

Abstract Study question What are the characteristics of the psychological services for couples undergoing ART treatment in Italy? Summary answer In the 47% of ART clinics the psychologist is a stable member of the team whereas psychological services are used by 10–20% of couples. What is known already: ART treatments are complex and emotionally demanding for both men and women. During the procedure the couples often experience stress and several negative emotions. In Italy the Law 40/2004 establishes the guidelines for ART application. This law sustains the importance of offering psychological support to the people who undergo ART treatments at any stage of the medical procedure. However, in Italy there are no specific recommendations or protocols for psychological interventions in ART centres. Furthermore, there is little or no studies regarding the characteristics of the psychological services offered to those undergoing ART treatments. Study design, size, duration This observational study aims to explore the characteristics of psychological services in ART clinics. Therefore, the ART Italian National Register (National Health Institute) with the Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health study (Sapienza University) proposed a national survay to the 306 Italian ART centres. The Medical Director of each centre was invited to participate by e-mail and to fill a questionnaire on an on-line platform. Data collection was between Jenuary to February 2020. Participants/materials, setting, methods The participation has been proposed to all the Italian ART centres (n = 306). 35 centres have been previously excluded because participating in the first phase of the study regarding the questionnaire construction. Around the 40% of the centres participated in the study (n = 113). The questionnaire contains 26 items with multiple response answers. It mainly explored: the presence of the psychologist in the ART centres, charachteristics of the intervention offered, percentage of couples using the psychological service. Main results and the role of chance In the 47% of ART centres the psychologist is a stable member of the team. The 38% of respondents reported that the psychologist works on call in the centre, the 18% reported that the psychologist is present in the centre 1–2 times a week whereas the 32% reported that the psychologist works in a private practice outside the centre. The reported percentages of couples using the psychological service are: 10–20% (69%), 20–30% (13%), 30–50% (5%), more than 50% (5%) and around the 100% (8%). The number of psychological sessions usually offered are: up to five (9%), four (13%), three (29%), two (27%), one (10%). Couples interventions represent the 73%, single patient intervention the 14%, whereas the 13% are group interventions. The 60% of respondent reported the absence of a protocol for psychological intervention in the ART centre whereas the 40% reported the presence of a protocol. In around the 50% of cases the psychological service represents an extra cost for the couple/individual. In the 60% of cases the psychologist is not involved in the team meeting, however the 87% of respondents reported that confronting with the psychologist on patients is percived as useful. Limitations, reasons for caution These results should be considered with cautions due to the rate of participation (around 40%). Furthermore, this is a national study and the charachteristics of psychological services offered in ART centres of different countries should be investigated. Wider implications of the findings: In conclusion, the results show that psychological services in Italian ART centers are not yet fully operational and integrated in the ART procedure. All of this highlights the importance of further investigations with the aim to shared information to use to establish common protocols for psychological interventions in ART centres. Trial registration number Not applicable

Bridging the Gap Between Aging Research and Practice: A New Strategy for Enhancing the Consensus Workshop Model

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/0733464818791433 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (6) ◽

pp. 677-680 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kelly M. Trevino ◽

Beverly Canin ◽

Charlotte Healy ◽

Sheila Moran ◽

William M. Trochim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Institutional Factors ◽

Intervention Implementation ◽

Relative Importance ◽

Research To Practice ◽

Aging Research ◽

Research And Practice ◽

Workshop Model ◽

New Strategy

Objectives: The Cornell Research-to-Practice (RTP) Consensus Workshop Model is a strategy for bridging the gap between aging research and practice but lacks a technique for evaluating the relative importance of ideas. This project assessed the feasibility of adding a quantitative survey to the RTP model to address this gap. Method: Older adults with cancer (OACs), OAC caregivers, researchers, clinicians, and advocacy organization representatives participated in a RTP workshop on implementing psychological interventions for OACs. Following an in-person workshop, participants completed surveys assessing the relative importance of barriers and strategies for psychological intervention implementation. Results: Seventeen of 35 participants completed the survey, the majority of which were likely clinicians. Barriers and strategies to implementation rated as having the greatest impact were associated with the care team and institutional factors. Conclusion: Quantitative ratings add novel information to the RTP model that could potentially enhance the model’s impact on aging research and practice.

Possibilities of Psychological Intervention on Social Networks

Acta Educationis Generalis ◽

10.2478/atd-2018-0016 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 35-49 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marek Madro

Keyword(s):

Social Networks ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Personal Contact ◽

Online Groups ◽

Field Worker ◽

Self Help ◽

Group Members ◽

Online Disinhibition ◽

Self Help Groups

AbstractIntroduction: Nowadays we are looking for help and answers to our questions more and more often on the Internet. People use social networks to search for communities or groups whose members experience similar difficulties. These are often online groups that focus on psychological problems, domestic violence, etc. Members receive instant feedback and at the same time, due to the online disinhibition effect, they do not feel the fear, shame or worries they would feel in personal contact (Griffiths, 2005). The content of such self-help groups is not always helpful, but may rather induce pathological behaviour. However, the group administrator can influence the atmosphere in the group and its content itself (Niwa & Mandrusiak, 2012).Purpose: The purpose of this research was to find a space to perform professional psychological interventions inside online self-help groups on social networks. The concept of a field worker was used in this research. The field worker offers helping services to clients in an environment natural to them and where the worker can provide the client with emergency help during the crisis and prevent other clients from offering risk advices (Ambrózová, Vitálošová, & Labáth, 2006).Methods: We have conducted qualitative research using the method of content-frequency analysis. The sample for this study consisted of 10 closed online self-help groups focusing on topics such as depression, anxiety disorder, domestic violence, self-injurious and suicidal thoughts and tendencies, etc. For the purpose of this research we created an online group moderated by professionals, focusing on similar topics of mental disorders.Conclusions: The research results indicated that group members exchanged useful information (35.43%), described their current difficulties they were experiencing (32.33%), shared their own experiences (10.53%), and also published information on what had helped them manage the difficult feelings and situations they had been experiencing (6.39%). However, we also identified risky statements and threatening recommendations in posts and comments. Based on the results, we outlined the possibilities of online field worker interventions and described techniques of interventions that the professional can use for the benefit of group members.