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Computer-assisted soliloquy as an approach to psychotherapy
M.D. Computing : Computers in Medical Practice
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Patients spoke more freely to a computer, reducing anxiety and heart rate. This computer-assisted soliloquy offers a novel approach to therapeutic disclosure and stress reduction.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Computer-Assisted Therapy
- Health Informatics
Background:
- The therapeutic alliance is traditionally central to talk therapy.
- However, therapist presence can sometimes hinder open patient disclosure.
- Patients may reveal more sensitive information when speaking alone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of a computer interview designed to encourage patient soliloquy.
- To assess if a computer-facilitated approach can reduce anxiety and physiological stress.
Main Methods:
- A computer interview program was developed to facilitate patient soliloquy.
- Participants were prompted to discuss anxiety-provoking situations and then relaxation.
- Physiological (heart rate) and self-reported (State anxiety) measures were recorded.
Main Results:
- Subjects engaged in soliloquy when prompted by the computer.
- Mean heart rate showed a significant decrease from the beginning to the end of the interview.
- State anxiety scores also significantly decreased over the course of the computer interview.
Conclusions:
- Computer-assisted soliloquy can be an effective method for facilitating patient disclosure.
- This approach shows potential for reducing both psychological anxiety and physiological stress.
- The findings suggest a viable alternative or supplement to traditional therapist-led sessions for certain therapeutic goals.