Project Description:
There are many online tools that can improve resilience and help with common conditions such as mild-to-moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Such digital tools, can apply evidence-based techniques, such as Cogntive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT). And, unlike a human counsellor, they can be available anytime of day or night, and can be used by young people who may be reluctant about the stigma of seeing a mental health professional. While such tools can be effective, experience indicates that people (young or old) will often stop using them after a short while.
We are working on a programme of digital tools for adolescent mental health led by the University of Nottingham to develop a companion agent for engagement with digital mental health tools. The agent’s job isn’t to deliver e-therapy, rather its job is to build engagement and motivate the young person to persist with use of the tools. We are exploring a range of engagement strategies including empathy, encouragement, gamification and progress tracking.
This is part of the Digital Youth Project.
Keywords: Anxiety, Companion Agent, Digital Tool