Mobile Virtual Reality to Enhance Subjective Well-Being

Author(s):  
Federica Pallavicini ◽  
Luca Morganti ◽  
Barbara Diana ◽  
Olivia Realdon ◽  
Valentino Zurloni ◽  
...  

Focusing on healthcare, in the last few decades advanced technologies have become crucial keys in supporting subjective wellbeing. Among them, virtual reality has been proven to be effective for mental health promotion in several research studies. Although the dramatic development in the field of virtual reality system, there are still important problems related to the use of this technology. Within this perspective, the growing availability, low-cost and easy-to-use mobile virtual reality (i.e., the integration of virtual reality system on mobile devices such as smartphone and tablet) represents a meaningful opportunity to support mental health interventions. The chapter will first briefly describe mobile virtual reality. Then, a mobile virtual reality design practice will be presented. Finally, the current application of mobile virtual reality to enhance subjective wellbeing will be discussed with the support of concrete examples and research study analysis.

Author(s):  
Federica Pallavicini ◽  
Luca Morganti ◽  
Barbara Diana ◽  
Olivia Realdon ◽  
Valentino Zurloni ◽  
...  

Focusing on health-care, in the last few decades advanced technologies have become crucial keys in supporting subjective well-being. Among them, Virtual Reality has been proven to be effective for mental health promotion in several research studies. Although the dramatic development in the field of Virtual Reality system, there are still important problems related to the use of this technology. Within this perspective, the growing availability, low-cost and easy-to-use of Mobile Virtual Reality (i.e., the integration of Virtual Reality system on mobile devices such as smartphone and tablet) represents a meaningful opportunity to support mental health interventions. The present chapter will first briefly describe Mobile Virtual Reality. Then, a Mobile Virtual Reality design practice will be presented. Finally, the current application of Mobile Virtual Reality to enhance subjective well-being will be discussed, with the support of concrete examples and research studies-analysis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliane M. Boucher ◽  
Haley E. Ward ◽  
Amelia C. Mounts ◽  
Acacia C. Parks

Digital mental health interventions (DMHI) are scalable and cost-effective strategies for increasing access to mental health care; however, dropout rates associated with digital interventions are high, particularly for open-access digital interventions. While some studies have focused on predictors of dropout from digital mental health programs, few studies have focused on engagement features that might improve engagement. In this perspective article, we discuss whether monetary incentives (MI) are one avenue to increasing user engagement in DMHI. We begin by reviewing the literature on the effects of MI for behavior change in health domains (e.g., dietary behaviors, substance use, and medication adherence). Then, drawing on a pilot study we conducted to test the effects of different levels of MI on usage and improvement in subjective well-being among users of a DMHI (Happify), we discuss the potential applications of MI for DMHI, the potential drawbacks of financial incentives in this context, and open questions for future research.


2021 ◽  
pp. 030573562110194
Author(s):  
Amy Visser ◽  
Megan Lee ◽  
Timothy Barringham ◽  
Nasim Salehi

Professional popular musicians are at increased risk of psychological distress, substance use problems, and suicide, yet little evidence is available on effective psychotherapeutic practices to address these issues. This scoping review aims to understand how professional popular musicians perceive, engage with, and respond to mental health interventions. Four databases were searched, garnering a total of 310 articles. Of these, six met inclusion criteria. Four thematic categories were explored: (1) amenability of professional popular musicians to particular therapeutic approaches; (2) attribution of treatment outcomes to tailored approaches; (3) professional popular musicians’ perceived barriers to treatment; and (4) recommendations for treatment approaches. The scoping review supports the importance of considering the characteristics of professional popular musicians as a distinct group with unique well-being needs, challenges, and strengths. There is a clear preference for tailored, affordable, and accessible approaches that consider the uniquities of musicianship and the need to explore the role of nonclinical support, such as friends, family, and industry peers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilon van Doorn ◽  
Laurens A. Nijhuis ◽  
Mees D. Egeler ◽  
Joost G. Daams ◽  
Arne Popma ◽  
...  

Objective: Between the ages of 12 and 25 the onset of mental disorders typically occurs, and the burden of mental health problems is greatest for this group. Indicated preventive interventions to target individuals with subclinical symptoms to prevent the transition to clinical levels of disorders have gained considerable traction. However, the threshold to seek help appears to be high even when help is needed. Online interventions could offer a solution, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This scoping review will present an overview of the recent research of indicated online preventive interventions for youth (12–25 years) experiencing the early stages of mental health complaints with the aim of identifying the nature and extent of the research evidence.Methods: The 5-stage framework by Arksey and O'Malley was used. Academic literature published from 2013 onwards in printed or electronic format was included from Scopus, PsychINFO, and Ovid MEDLINE(R) ALL.Results: The search yielded 11,122 results, with the final selection resulting in inclusion of 30 articles for this review. In total, the articles included 4,950 participants. 26.7% of the selected articles focused on youth between 12 and 25 years. Of the articles 60% did not screen for, nor exclude participants with clinical levels of symptoms. Most studies used a common evidence-based therapy for the disorder-category targeted. More than half of the online interventions included some form of human support. Adherence levels ranged between 27.9 and 98%. The results indicate general effectiveness, usability and acceptability of online indicated preventive interventions. The most commonly used approach was CBT (n = 12 studies). Studies varied in their size, rigor of study, effectiveness and outcome measures. Online interventions with a combination of clinical and peer moderation (n = 3 studies) appear to result in the most stable and highest effect sizes.Conclusion: Online indicated preventive mental health interventions for youth with emerging mental health issues show promise in reducing various mental health complaints, and increasing positive mental health indicators such as well-being and resilience. Additionally, high levels of usability and acceptability were found. However, the included studies show important methodological shortcomings. Also, the research has mainly focused on specific diagnostic categories, meaning there is a lack of transdiagnostic approaches. Finally, clear definitions of- as well as instruments to measure- emerging or subclinical mental health symptoms in youth remain are missing.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwen Katheryn Healey ◽  
Jennifer Noah ◽  
Ceporah Mearns

<p><strong><em>Objective:</em> </strong>This study responded to a community-identified need to form an evidence base for interventions to promote mental health and wellness among youth in Nunavut. <strong><em>Methods: </em></strong>A literature review was conducted using the terms <em>adolescence </em>and <em>Inuit</em> and <em>intervention </em>or <em>program </em>or <em>camp </em>or <em>land-based</em>. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used to find peer-reviewed and grey literature on community-based youth programs. The literature review was presented to parents, elders, and youth for discussion over several months in 2009-2010. <strong><em>Results:</em></strong> Key themes included: self-esteem, physical activity, stress and coping, positive peer relationships, Inuit identity, mental health and well-being, and the effects of intergenerational trauma on youth in Nunavut. Themes were incorporated into a model for youth mental health interventions based on Inuit terminology, philosophy, and societal values—the Eight <em>Ujarait</em>/Rocks Model. The model was implemented as a camp program in 6 pilots in 5 communities from 2011 to 2013. Data were collected before and after the camp. Results indicated that the program fostered physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness among youth. Parent observations of participants included an improvement in behaviour and attitude, strong cultural pride, greater confidence in identity, and improved family and community relationships. <strong><em>Conclusion: </em></strong>Evidence-based, community-driven models for youth mental health interventions in the North hold promise. The application of one such model through a camp program had a lasting impact on the individuals involved, beyond their immediate participation. Long-term monitoring of the participants, and ongoing evaluations of camps as they continue to unfold across Nunavut, are needed to contribute to the robust evidence base for this program over time.</p>


10.2196/12869 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. e12869 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily G Lattie ◽  
Elizabeth C Adkins ◽  
Nathan Winquist ◽  
Colleen Stiles-Shields ◽  
Q Eileen Wafford ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. e43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Puszka ◽  
Kylie M Dingwall ◽  
Michelle Sweet ◽  
Tricia Nagel

Background Electronic mental health (e-mental health) interventions offer effective, easily accessible, and cost effective treatment and support for mental illness and well-being concerns. However, e-mental health approaches have not been well utilized by health services to date and little is known about their implementation in practice, particularly in diverse contexts and communities. Objective This study aims to understand stakeholder perspectives on the requirements for implementing e-mental health approaches in regional and remote health services for Indigenous Australians. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 managers, directors, chief executive officers (CEOs), and senior practitioners of mental health, well-being, alcohol and other drug and chronic disease services. Results The implementation of e-mental health approaches in this context is likely to be influenced by characteristics related to the adopter (practitioner skill and knowledge, client characteristics, communication barriers), the innovation (engaging and supportive approach, culturally appropriate design, evidence base, data capture, professional development opportunities), and organizational systems (innovation-systems fit, implementation planning, investment). Conclusions There is potential for e-mental health approaches to address mental illness and poor social and emotional well-being amongst Indigenous people and to advance their quality of care. Health service stakeholders reported that e-mental health interventions are likely to be most effective when used to support or extend existing health services, including elements of client-driven and practitioner-supported use. Potential solutions to obstacles for integration of e-mental health approaches into practice were proposed including practitioner training, appropriate tool design using a consultative approach, internal organizational directives and support structures, adaptations to existing systems and policies, implementation planning and organizational and government investment.


2021 ◽  
pp. 082957352110397
Author(s):  
Tessa Ritchie ◽  
Maria Rogers ◽  
Laurie Ford

In March of 2020, COVID-19 forced schools to close across Canada. While school psychologists typically work directly with students, teachers, and families, nearly all services had to be modified to accommodate the new circumstances. The following brief report presents a summary of the survey responses of 214 Canadian school psychology practitioners on their experience of the COVID-19 shutdown. Nearly all respondents indicated their work experiences had significantly changed since the start of the pandemic, notably through decreases in assessments and mental health interventions. Importantly, respondents also indicated significant decreases in their own mental health/well-being as compared to before the pandemic. Implications for professional practice are discussed.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junhyung Kim ◽  
Young Hoon Jung ◽  
Yu-Bin Shin ◽  
Min-Kyeong Kim ◽  
Hyojung Eom ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Enhancing subjective well-being is an effective way to improve mental health and virtual reality is useful as an intervention tool for cultivating well-being. This preliminary study aimed to probe the usefulness of a virtual reality-based interactive feedback program as an intervention tool for promoting subjective well-being. Methods In the experiment, 36 males participated in this program, consisting of three tasks constructed based on the theories of positive psychology: ‘Experience-based problem recognition task’, ‘Future self-based success story expression task’, and ‘Strength expression task’. Participants rated visual analog scores associated with each of the tasks' contents. The concurrent validity of task scores was evaluated by correlations with scores of the psychological scales, such as the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, Dispositional Hope Scale, and Life Orientation Test Revised. Results The total task score was positively correlated with the scores of Mental Health Continuum-Short Form emotional well-being ( r = 0.492, p < 0.001) and psychological well-being ( r = 0.501, p < 0.001), Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale ( r = 0.435, p < 0.001), Dispositional Hope Scale agency dimension ( r = 0.601, p < 0.001) and pathways dimension ( r = 0.451, p < 0.001), and Life Orientation Test Revised ( r = 0.378, p < 0.05), but not with the MHC-SF social well-being scores. After controlling the effects of the other task scores, the task scores had linear relationships with certain psychological assessments. Conclusion The results showed that the total task score was significantly correlated with indicators of well-being, self-esteem, hope, and optimism. The task scores obtained from the individual tasks were closely related to the indicators, depending on the nature of the task. These findings suggest that the program contents are well associated with certain aspects of subjective well-being and thus may be available for training that improves subjective well-being through interactive feedback.


2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (suppl 1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanderson Carneiro Moreira ◽  
Kayo Henrique Jardel Feitosa Sousa ◽  
Anderson Reis de Sousa ◽  
Thiago da Silva Santana ◽  
Regina Célia Gollner Zeitoune ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: to map the evidence on mental health interventions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: this scoping review was carried out in the MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Science Direct databases and in the medRxiv, bioRxiv, and PsyArXiv preprints servers using the descriptors “Covid-19”, “coronavirus infection”, “coronavirus”, “2019-nCoV”, “2019 novel coronavirus disease”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “health personnel”, “general public”, and “mental health”. Results: eight articles were selected and categorized into mental health interventions for the population, among which mental health interventions were for people diagnosed with suspicion/confirmed COVID-19 and mental health interventions for health professionals. Conclusion: telemonitoring, virtual games and strategies focused on social support and muscle relaxation techniques, characterized as non-pharmacological and low-cost, were shown as interventions, which, since they are effective, need to be encouraged and included in mental health care practices.


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