PHT180 Research Vitals: Cassandra Berbary, Visiting Assistant Professor, College of Health Sciences & Technology, RIT
Utilizing Avatar Assisted Technology for Adolescents: Enhancing Substance Use and Aggression Treatment
Speaker:
Cassandra Berbary
Visiting Assistant Professor, College of Health Sciences & Technology, RIT
Abstract: Research suggests strong associations between substance use and aggression, especially among substance using juveniles. Furthermore, adolescents with substance use difficulties have comorbid addiction and aggressive behaviors. For example, adolescents with substance use difficulties and comorbid behavior problems experience poorer treatment outcomes compared to adolescents with only substance use, highlighting the need for evidence-based interventions targeting both substance use and aggression. Although research has not yet focused on avatar-assisted treatment for adolescents with substance use and aggression difficulties, avatar-assisted therapy is likely to involve many benefits (e.g., ease of use; technological platform relevant/relatable to teens, delivery of standardized content in between therapy sessions; adaptation to individual client characteristics; self-monitoring and practice exercise/homework reminders; immediate feedback) as well as reduce barriers that prevent patients from receiving the quality of care. Particularly among adolescents, the use of a technological platform for role plays is a familiar platform to model and practice their healthy skill sets; however, the current digitized, computer-assisted, or web-based versions developed in the early 2000s (e.g., CBT4CBT) lack the modern customizations and advancements in technology that exist today. Current work focuses on the development of digitized (avatar-assisted) platforms using the following advancements in technology: 1) an avatar assist (e.g., behavioral health coach) to reward interaction and to narrate coping skill activities (aiding therapists and participants); 2) user-friendly and likable customizations; 3) symptom monitoring and tracking of behaviors and; 4) easy delivery and mobile flexibility. The theoretical background, design/development of evidence-based avatar-assisted platforms, and modifications of adult platforms for use with adolescent populations will be discussed. Current avatar-assisted CBT treatment platforms targeting substance use and aggression will also be presented. Moreover, pilot data related to the implementation of the avatar-assisted platform in substance use clinical settings will be reviewed and presented.
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