Date of Award
5-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Committee Chair/Advisor
Kaileigh Byrne
Committee Member
Cynthia Pury
Committee Member
Dawn Sarno
Committee Member
Sab Babu
Abstract
The prevalence of depression in the U.S. has increased over the past decade, leading to an all-time-high during the COVID-19 pandemic (WHO, 2022). With this increase, the number of mental health applications (MHealth apps) on virtual e-stores increases in tandem. Despite this expanding number of MHealth apps, few demonstrate a foundation in empirical research. One design factor that may influence usability and effectiveness is the inclusion of virtual agents. Three studies were conducted to investigate users’ preferences for a variety of characteristics associated with virtual agents. In Experiment 1, users completed a single-session, three-stage CBT-based interaction with virtual characters and were asked about preferences for customization versus evolution. Results demonstrated that participants preferred customization, as it involves more active inclusion in the application. In Experiment 2, users completed four CBT-based modules; two modules with an interactive design and two with a passive design. Results demonstrated a preference for the interactive virtual agent along with higher levels of trust, satisfaction, and comfort. The goal of Experiment 3 was to determine the effect of conversation and animation within a CBT-based MHealth app on depressive symptoms and user experience using a longitudinal experimental design. Results demonstrated a significant decrease in symptoms of depression; however, no significant effect of conversation or animation was observed. This collection of experiments provides insight into user preferences regarding virtual characters. While the addition of virtual agents to MHealth applications holds promise, more research and refinement is necessary to achieve a seamless incorporation into the mental health domain.
Recommended Citation
Six, Stephanie, "An Exploration Of The Efficacy Of Virtual Agents Within Smartphone Mental Health Applications" (2024). All Dissertations. 3623.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/3623
Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0002-7435-1773