CLINICAL PRACTICE
Perceived acceptability of wearable devices for the treatment of mental health problems
Hugh Hunkin,
Daniel L. King,
Ian T. Zajac,
Corresponding Author
Hugh Hunkin
Nutrition and Health Research Program, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia
School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
Correspondence Hugh Hunkin, CSIRO, Gate 13 Kintore Avenue, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorDaniel L. King
School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorIan T. Zajac
Nutrition and Health Research Program, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia
School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorHugh Hunkin,
Daniel L. King,
Ian T. Zajac,
Corresponding Author
Hugh Hunkin
Nutrition and Health Research Program, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia
School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
Correspondence Hugh Hunkin, CSIRO, Gate 13 Kintore Avenue, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorDaniel L. King
School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorIan T. Zajac
Nutrition and Health Research Program, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia
School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
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.
Supporting Information
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| jclp22934-sup-0001-Supplementary_Material.docx33.7 KB | Supporting information |
Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.
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