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Perceived acceptability of wearable devices for the treatment of mental health problems
Hugh Hunkin1,2, Daniel L King2,3, Ian T Zajac1,2
1Nutrition and Health Research Program, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia.
Objective:
This study examined the potential acceptability of wearable devices (e.g., smart headbands, wristbands, and watches) aimed at treating mental health disorders, relative to conventional approaches.
Methods:
A questionnaire assessed perceptions of wearable and nonwearable treatments, along with demographic and psychological information. Respondents (N = 427) were adults from a community sample (Mage = 44.6, SDage = 15.3) which included current (30.2%) and former (53.9%) mental health help-seekers.
Results:
Perceived effectiveness of wearables was a strong predictor of interest in using them as adjuncts to talk therapies, or as an alternative to self-help options (e.g., smartphone applications). Devices were more appealing to those with negative evaluations of psychological therapy and less experience in help-seeking.
Conclusions:
Interest in using wearable devices was strong, particularly when devices were seen as effective. Clients with negative attitudes to conventional therapies may be more responsive to using wearable devices as a less directive treatment approach.
