Adapting Psychotherapy for Older Adults Using Mobile Devices
Author Information
Author(s): Jain Felipe, Gutierrez-Ramirez Paulina, Melero-Dominguez Maria, Zea Miranda, Gomez Liliana Ramirez
Primary Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital
Hypothesis
Can smartphone applications effectively adapt psychotherapy for older adult caregivers of persons living with dementia?
Conclusion
The study shows that adapting mentalizing imagery therapy for mobile devices is feasible and meets initial benchmarks for usability and compliance.
Supporting Evidence
- Smartphone psychotherapy applications can monitor treatment compliance and symptom changes.
- Older adult caregivers face barriers to in-person therapy, such as travel time and caregiver burden.
- Mentalizing imagery therapy has been effective in reducing depression and anxiety in family caregivers.
Takeaway
This study looks at how to help older adults use their smartphones for therapy, making it easier for them to get help without going to an office.
Methodology
A case study involving user-centered participatory design of a mobile application for therapy.
Limitations
Older adults are underrepresented in smartphone research, and there are challenges in adapting psychotherapy for mobile use.
Participant Demographics
Older adult family caregivers of persons living with dementia.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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