Psychology

and New Technology

IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
1- Cyberpsychology: A new and
emerging field
 What is Cyberpsychology?
A branch of psychology that investigates the intersection
between psychology and digital technology
It includes the use of new technologies to:
• Facilitate the clinical change (Cybertherapy)
• Promote the personal development and
wellbeing (Positive Technology) (Riva, Calvo &
Lisetti, 2015)
 Corporate wellness I

Mindfulness pods– Increase productivity and reduces absenteeism

 What is Cyberpsychology?
A branch of psychology that investigates the intersection
between psychology and digital technology
It includes the use of new technologies to:
• Facilitate the clinical change (Cybertherapy)
• Promote the personal development and
wellbeing (Positive Technology) (Riva, Calvo &
Lisetti, 2015) How to Look Great on a Video Conference Call - NTELogic.com | Essential IT Services for Small Business
Assessment - Cognitive Functions

Nesplora
 Rehabilitation - Cognitive Functions
Akili to study EndeavorRx as a COVID-19 brain fog treatment | MobiHealthNews

Endeavor RX
Prevention – Mood Disorders

SIMPLe App
Monitor – In the real world in real time

GDrive and Avicenna platform

Training – Competences and skills

BodySwaps, Ovation, VirtualSpeech

 VR/AR

mHealth

Tele-
psychology
 What is always needed?
1- Solid knowledge about the evidence-based
interventions and strong therapeutic skills: It is crucial to
maintain the core elements of psychotherapeutic intervention,
including the belief in the possibility of change, the therapist's
expertise, patient motivation, and active cooperation (Korchin &
Sands, 1983).

Meet the basic requirements

to work as a therapists
(COPCM, 2018) – Problems
of intrusion (informed
consent, social networks, and
use of professional platforms)
Counselor - eMail or Chat Moderator - Social Networks

Facilitator - Self-administered web-based interventions

2- Digital competences, training and long-life learning:
a) Self-Assessment: Regularly assess professional and technical
competencies when using technology in mental health:
• Stay updated with the latest literature
• Enroll in ongoing training programs
• Seek supervision and attend clinical sessions

b) Evaluating Scientific Evidence: To determine which IT solutions are

suitable for different psychological disorders (e.g., void
videoconferencing for patients with severe mental disorders)

c) Communicating with Patients and Families

• Clearly explain the benefits and risks of each technology to
patients, their families, or tutors
• Ensure transparency in how digital interventions are integrated
into treatment
 Journals on Cyberpsychology
Free Journals
Annual Review of Cybertherapy and Telemedicine arctt.info

Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on cyberpsychology.eu

Cyberspace

Journal of Medical Internet Research jmir.org

JMIR Mental Health mental.jmir.org

JMIR mHealth and uHealth mhealth.jmir.org

JMIR Serious Games games.jmir.org

Frontiers in Psychology frontiersin.org/journals/psychology

Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication academic.oup.com/jcmc

 Subscription
Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social liebertpub.com/loi/cyber
Networking
Computers in Human Behavior journals.elsevier.com/computers-in-human-
behavior
Games for Health Journal online.liebertpub.com/toc/g4h/5/4
Interacting with Computers academic.oup.com/iwc
International Journal of Human-Computer tandfonline.com/toc/hihc20/current
Interaction
International Journal of Human-Computer journals.elsevier.com/international-journal-of-
Studies human-computer-studies
Journal of Media Psychology hogrefe.com/us/journal/journal-of-media-
psychology
Media Psychology tandfonline.com/toc/hmep20/current
New Media & Society journals.sagepub.com/home/nms
3- Cyberpsychology: Ethical, legal, and deontological issues -
To know the legal framework of your country.
Pantalla de un celular con la foto de una persona con una computadora portátil

Descripción generada automáticamente con confianza media

The psychotherapist
must be informed and
updated about how to
protect the data, the
privacy, and the
confidentiality of his/her
patients – Is the
responsible for the
processing and
protection of data
(GDPR)
4- The informed consent
a) Clear Service Description
• Technology Used: Specify the type of
technology (e.g., video calls, apps)
• Interaction Details: How and when will
we communicate with the patient (e.g.,
weekly sessions via Zoom)?

b) Data Confidentiality and Security

• Patient Confidentiality: Ensure
applications comply with GDPR
regulations.
• Technology Vulnerabilities: Address how
data security is maintained and what
measures are in place to protect patient
information.
c) Service Fees and Payments
• Rates & Payment Methods: Provide
details about service rates and available
payment options (e.g., PayPal, Stripe).
• Handling Technical Interruptions: Have a
backup plan (e.g., phone calls in case of
connection issues).

d) Emergency Action Plan

• Emergency Procedures: Establish an
action plan for urgent situations, such as
crises or suicidal ideation, including steps
for immediate response.
Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
 Essay about Cyberpsychology (20%)
(December 2nd ; around 8-10 pages) – In groups
1. Definition of Cybersychology (using references)
2. Benefits and limitations of Cyberpsychology
3. Analyze a Cyberpsychology project
• Who is the owner? Provide details of the organization behind the
project.
• Audience: Describe who the tool is intended for (e.g., mental health
professionals, patients, or general users).
• Problem it aims to solve: What issue does this tool address? For
example, social anxiety, depression, or lack of mental health
resources. – Which are the problems with the traditional
techniques?
• Objectives: What are the goals? For example, is the project
designed to enhance therapy accessibility or improve treatment
outcomes?
• Describe the functionalities and tools (e.g., multimedia tools, VR,
self-reports, AI, etc.)
• Reflect on areas for improvement
• Data Privacy and Security
• Personalization of Treatment
• Engagement and Adherence
• User-Friendly Interface
• Etc.
2- The Practice of Online Therapy
/ Tele-Psychology
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Initial Measures – Formal framework

1. Use both a computer and a
smartphone exclusively for your
professional practice – They are
your consulting room!
a) Login and password
b) Updated antivirus
c) Updated browser: Brave
• Blocks cookies and ads
• Doesn’t collect or sell your
data
• Access to Tor
d) Minimum number of Apps
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

2. Ensure your professional website is fully GDPR-Compliant

Make sure your website adheres to

GDPR regulations by including
essential texts such as:
• Privacy Policy: Clearly outline how you
collect, use, and protect personal data.
• Cookies Policy: Inform users about the
cookies you use, their purposes, and
how users can manage their cookie
preferences.
• Legal Disclaimer: Include any
necessary disclaimers regarding the
information provided on your site.

marinabrocca.com
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

3. Use a safe and protected Internet connection

VPN (Virtual Private Network): When you activate a VPN, your
device connects to a remote server operated by the VPN provider. Once
connected, the VPN encrypts your internet traffic.

Benefits:
• Privacy Protection: Masks the IP address,
making your online actions harder to trace.
• Data Encryption: Encrypts your internet
traffic, protecting sensitive information
from hackers.
• Access to Restricted Content: Allows
users to bypass geographic restrictions
and access content not available in their
region.
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Activity: Register and use Proton VPN (via proton.me)

Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

4. Encrypt and do a backup of the patient’s documents

Activity: Use Cryptomator (Cabinet with drawers and a key)

Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

4. Encrypt and do a backup of the patient’s documents

Activity: Use ProtonDrive

5. Use encrypted telecommunication tools - Videoconference

Activity: CITA.IO
 Management platform
(agenda, roles, types of visits,
medical history, invoicing,
etc.)

Encrypted videoconference
Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
2- The Practice of Online Therapy
/ Tele-Psychology
5. Use encrypted telecommunication tools - Videoconference

Activity: CITA.IO
 Management platform
(agenda, roles, types of visits,
medical history, invoicing,
etc.)

Encrypted videoconference
Psypocket – Official Psychology Society of Catalonia/Spain
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica
 Platforms like Cita.IO and
Psypocket are designed for
psychotherapists to efficiently
manage appointments, client
records, therapy progress, and
other essential tasks
 Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Be careful when choosing a platform

Platforms specifically designed for engaging with potential
patients
feel: Modern emotional support your employees will love

Therapyside: la nuova identità di brand di TherapyChat - Tecnomedicina

ifeel TherapySide
What is the future in
videoconferencing
technology?
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

The future in videoconferencing I – Smart 360º VC cameras

Meeting Owl 3 - 360 Degree, 1080p HD Video Conference Camera

Meeting Owl 3 and 4 Coolpo AI Huddle PANA

 Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

The future in videoconferencing II – Immersive screens

Google unveils new Project Starline prototype at I/O 2023

Project Starline by Google

 Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

The future in videoconferencing III – AR Holograms

Google unveils
Introducing Microsoft
new Project
MeshStarline
| Here can
prototype
be anywhere.
at I/O 2023

Cisco Webex - Holograms

 Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

The future in videoconferencing IV – Metaverse

Google unveils
Introducing Microsoft
new Project
MeshStarline
| Here can
prototype
be anywhere.
at I/O 2023

Horizon Workroom
Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
 Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

The future in videoconferencing IV – Metaverse

Google unveils
Introducing Microsoft
new Project
MeshStarline
| Here can
prototype
be anywhere.
at I/O 2023

Horizon Workroom
5. Use encrypted telecommunication tools - Email

Protonmail
5. Use encrypted telecommunication tools - Chat

Telegram or Signal
What is Online Therapy?
Provision of psychological services online and using
telecommunication technologies (Sucula, 2012)
An obligation caused by a pandemic?
• Anxiety and stress
(panic attacks)
• Depression and mental
health problems
• Quarantine (isolation,
economy, shopping, social
support etc.)

High demand Trained psychotherapists

“From where you want, with
who you want”
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Challenges of Online Therapy

• Digital competences

• Loss of non-verbal information

• To apply some traditional techniques

• To act in case of an emergency

• Ethical and deontological issues

• ¿Therapeutic alliance?
High adherence – 96% (Berger et al., 2011) and good
feedback of the service (Andrews & Williams, 2015)
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Challenges of Online Therapy

• Digital competences

• Loss of non-verbal information

• To apply some traditional techniques

• To act in case of an emergency

• Ethical and deontological issues

• ¿Therapeutic alliance?
High adherence – 96% (Berger et al., 2011) and good
feedback of the service (Andrews & Williams, 2015)
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

1)- Intervention techniques with Street View in Google Maps

Street View has shown clinical benefits in:

• Anxiety-related disorders (for ex.: agoraphobia)
• Addictions (for ex.: alcoholism, nicotine dependence)
• Dementias (reminiscence therapy – recall past events)
• Relaxation Imagen de la pantalla de un video juego

Descripción generada automáticamente con confianza baja

Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Street View in VR – Wander (9.99€)

Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Challenges of Online Therapy

• Digital competences

• Loss of non-verbal information

• To apply some traditional techniques

• To act in case of an emergency

• Ethical and deontological issues

• ¿Therapeutic alliance?
High adherence – 96% (Berger et al., 2011) and good
feedback of the service (Andrews & Williams, 2015)
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Street View in VR – Wander (9.99€)

Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

2)- Relaxation and exposure techniques with Google Cardboard

Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

3)- Electronic Self-Reports with GDrive – Cooking our first App

Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Why to use electronic self-reports?

- Collect the patient’s data in real time

and from natural contexts
- Synchronic communication between
the psychologist and the patient
- Multimedia information (audio, video,
photos, etc.)
- Higher confidentiality and sincerity
- More attractive for the digital natives
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

First step – To create and prepare a Google Sheet

Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Second step – Share it with your(s) patient(s)

The patient must install the Apps of Google Drive and

Google Sheets

The therapist
shares the
spreadsheet
with the
patient (with
editing
permissions”
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

4)- Flipped psychoeducation with Youtube and ProtonDrive

• Psychoeducation: Teaching patients and their family members about

the nature of the illness, including its etiology, progression,
consequences, prognosis, treatment, and alternatives.
What Is Psychoeducation in Therapy?

• Flipped psychoeducation:
1. Information about the psychological
disorder – Homework tasks
(videos, audios, .pdf, etc.)
2. Doubts about the information and
training in digital competences –
Synchronic sessions
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Challenges of Online Therapy

• Digital competences

• Loss of non-verbal information

• To apply some traditional techniques

• To act in case of an emergency

• Ethical and deontological issues

• ¿Therapeutic alliance?
High adherence – 96% (Berger et al., 2011) and good
feedback of the service (Andrews & Williams, 2015)
Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Scientific evidence

Suicidal or homicidal
Anxiety, OCD, PTSD,
ideation, sexual
depression, insomnia,
offenders, eating
weight control
disorders, severe
problems, addictions,
mental health
health psychology
disorders, loss the
(pain management,
sense of reality –
chronic diseases)
Refer the patient
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Guidelines on Telepsychology - Spanish

COP (2017) COPM (2017) COPM (2018)

Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Guidelines on Telepsychology- English

MHO (2020) AHPA (2020)

3- mHealth: Use of mobile devices
in mental health
How are we using it in psychology?
To enhance traditional synchronic sessions (face-to-face or
online) and to prescript Apps as a homework tasks (going
“Beyond the pill”)
• Relaxation/Meditation/
Mindfulness

• Ecological Momentary
Assessment (EMA)

• Self-administered Apps

• Abilities/Competences
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Relaxation, meditation and/or mindfulness Apps

Headspace (57.99€/year) Calm (49.99€/year)

Insight Timer (59.99€/year) Intimind (59.99€/year) - Spanish

 Is it advisable to use these
apps with our patients? Would
you prescribe it?
Choose apps with specific and
clear clinical purposes. It must
align with the techniques
previously learned
Example: Training in diaphragmatic breathing

Objective: Slow, regular, diaphragmatic breathing. It

mustn't be so much deep (hyperventilation)

1- Inhale through the nose and till the lungs (3

seconds)
2- Hold the air 2-3 seconds
3- Exhale through the nose (3 seconds)
• Frequency: 6-7 cycles/minute
• Practice time: 5+5 minutes

Homework tasks: Practice diaphragmatic breathing (2 times per day)

Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Petit Bambou: It has a metronome that guides the practice of

diaphragmatic breathing during homework tasks
Interfaz de usuario gráfica, Aplicación

Descripción generada automáticamente

Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Record your own therapeutic narratives – Audacity + Blue Yeti

Interfaz de usuario gráfica, Aplicación, Word, Excel

Descripción generada automáticamente

Blue Yeti Blackout Multi-Pattern USB Microphone -

Milano Music Center
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Record your own therapeutic narratives – Main steps

1)- Plan and write your script (diaphragmatic

breathing)
2)- Record the narrative with Audacity and
save it ”as project (.aup3)”
3)- Open a new file and record the
introduction (Hello Ivan…)
4)- Copy-paste the narrative into the new file
5)- Export as .mp3 (File - Export – Export as
Mp3)
6)- Share it with your patients (ProtonDrive)
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Use immersive content I – Tripp (41.99$ per year, 89.11$)

Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Use immersive content II – Nature Treks VR (9.99$)

Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
3- mHealth: Use of mobile devices
in mental health
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Use immersive content III – Guided Meditation VR (14.99$)

Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Use immersive content IV – Maloka (Free)

How are we using it in psychology?
To enhance traditional synchronic sessions (face-to-face or
online) and to prescript Apps as a homework tasks (going
“Beyond the pill”)
• Relaxation/Meditation/
Mindfulness

• Ecological Momentary
Assessment (EMA)

• Self-administered Apps

• Abilities/Competences
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

EMAs for specific healthcare/mental health conditions

Drinks Meter | Global Drug Survey

Painometer – Acute pain Drinks Meter – Alcoholism

SIMPLe – Bipolar disorder TCApp – Eating disorders

Create your own EMA – Avicenna

avicennaresearch.com
Steps:

1. Register: Start Now – Sign Up

2. Psychological center: New Study
3. Design your EMA: New Activity –
Survey
4. Invite patients: Participation – Invite
Participants
5. Review the data: Survey Responses
Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Conference on Online Therapy - Monday (December 2th )

Angélica Barrero Guinand

• Clinical psychologist
specialized on CBT and third-
wave therapies
• Private practice in Madrid and
Online Therapy
• Clinical corporate department
leader and French Clinical
ambassador at iFeel (from
2020)
How are we using it in psychology?
To enhance traditional synchronic sessions (face-to-face or
online) and to prescript Apps as a homework tasks (going
“Beyond the pill”)
• Relaxation/Meditation/
Mindfulness

• Ecological Momentary
Assessment (EMA)

• Self-administered Apps

• Abilities/Competences
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Why to use diaries in psychotherapy?

- Foster self-awareness: helps to understand

emotions, thoughts and behaviors
- Track progress: monitor changes and
improvements over the time
- Encourage reflection: Deepen insight into
experiences
- Facilitate emotional expression: Provide a
safe outlet for feelings
- Enhance problem-solving: Clarify thoughts
to find solutions
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Use electronic diaries – Journey

Diary with multimedia, geolocalization, activity and emotion
Free Online Journal Diary App | Journey.Cloud
How are we using it in psychology?
To enhance traditional synchronic sessions (face-to-face or
online) and to prescript Apps as a homework tasks (going
“Beyond the pill”)
• Relaxation/Meditation/
Mindfulness

• Ecological Momentary
Assessment (EMA)

• Self-administered Apps

• Abilities/Competences
What a self-administered App is?
- Self-treatment Apps (typically based in CBT) structured into
distinct blocks or modules. These modules can include
psychoeducation, relaxation, identification of negative
thoughts, problem-solving, exposure techniques, etc.
- Each module must be completed in one or two weeks
- The modules contain homework tasks
Don't
discard it

May include psychoeducational content that is well-validated

Usually includes tasks and activities that we can prescript
Fibroline (4.99€ - Android)
A self-administered CBT App for overcoming chronic pain /
fibromyalgia (90 days)
Modules: quality of sleep, anxiety management, pain coping,
medication use, physical conditioning, mood regulation, problem
solving, decision making and relationships with others

Main objectives
- Psychoeducation: information about chronic pain
and the self-treatment (.pdf, videos, audios, etc.)

- Prevention: skills to manage pain, reduce fatigue,

and improve the quality of life.
Fibroline – Content: Theory + Activities
Fibroline – Tasks to do, diary, EMA
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

SilverCloud by Amwell
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Spark Direct – Depression in teenagers

- Module 1: Introduction and

behavioral activation
- Module 2: Mood tracking
(actions-mood)
- Module 3: Mindfulness + activity
scheduling
- Module 4: Problem solving +
activity scheduling
- Module 5: Relapse prevention +
activity scheduling
Cogniss – Do your own self-administered Apps
• No-code platform to develop
highly customized mHealth
solutions.

• A variety of content: text, images,

audio, gif, video, checklists,
surveys, VR/AR,…

• +80 pre-built tools and templates

• Gamification strategies: Coins,

experience points, virtual goods,
badges, etc.
How are we using it in psychology?
To enhance traditional synchronic sessions (face-to-face or
online) and to prescript Apps as a homework tasks (going
“Beyond the pill”)
• Relaxation/Meditation/
Mindfulness

• Ecological Momentary
Assessment (EMA)

• Self-administered Apps

• Abilities/Competences
Pegasys School – Prevent bullying by training assertiveness
Image
Body Swaps – Social skills training
Body Swaps Soft Skills VR Training - Audience of the Future Live
Virtual Speech – Role-playings with AI
Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Conference on Online Therapy - Monday (December 2th )

Angélica Barrero Guinand

• Clinical psychologist
specialized on CBT and third-
wave therapies
• Private practice in Madrid and
Online Therapy
• Clinical corporate department
leader and French Clinical
ambassador at iFeel (from
2020)
Future trends I - Wearables
Electronic devices designed to be worn as personal
accessories or integrated into clothing. Wearables can collect
and process information that radiates the user’s body.
Loudly

Loudly
Information
Information

Continuously

Continuously
Honestly

Honestly
Individually

Individually
alivecor.es prima-temp.com freestyle.abbott

emotiv.com spirehealth.com owletcare.eu

Incora Health Earrings – Menstrual cycle, stress, activity, and
sleep (high accuracy)
Diagrama

Descripción generada automáticamente

 Smart Tattoos – Change the color with physiological data

What are smart tattoos? Health tech for skin could change how we monitor vitals | PhillyVoice
 eScent – Adaptive Scent Bubble for improving wellbeing
eScent creates personalised fragrance bubbles based on your mood - Wareable
 Pavlok 3 and Shock Clock Max – Changing your bad habits
Pavlok: Unleashing the new Cyber Monday deals NOW | Milled
Smartbands and Smartwatches – Cita.IO, Avicenna and
Simple (heart rate, sleeping hours, number of steps, etc.)
Smartbands and Smartwatches – Empatica (Embrace Plus)
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

PIP – Biofeedback with electrodermal activity (EDA)

MUSE 2 – Neuro-Biofeedback
Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
 Flowly–Biofeedback in VR for chronic pain
Flowly' that scientifically reduces pain and anxiety with VR and smartphones - GIGAZINE
RelieVRx–Biofeedback in VR for chronic pain
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Future trends II – Ecological Momentary

Interventions (EMI)
Interventions that are provided to people in their everyday lives
(in real time) and in natural settings (Heron & Smith, 2010)

The EMI detects that the patient is in a difficult state/situation and…

• Opens a communication channel with the psychotherapist
• Triggers an automatic and personalized intervention

Positive self-statements (GPS / Wearable) -

Addictions
Relaxation (Heart rate) - Agoraphobia
Don’t Go App – Pathological Gambling

1- Add, view, and remove gambling

destinations to avoid

2- The DGT app can monitor the user’s

movements by using either the GPS,
when enabled, or relying on the
Location Inference Algorithm

3- As soon as the user crosses a

predefined zone, the app raises a
customizable visual and auditory alert

4- The App provides alternative routes

EMIs have been used in a variety of psychological disorders

• Substance abuse (alcohol and marijuana) • Bipolar disorder

• Anxiety and stress • Eating disorders

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) • Psychotic disorders

• Gambling disorder • Sleep disturbances

• Depression • Suicide prevention

Future trends III – Artificial Intelligence
(Chatbots)
Interfaz de usuario gráfica, Texto, Aplicación,

• Smart conversational agents with which the user can Chat o mensaje de texto

interact through text or voice (ChatGPT, Siri, Alexa,

Descripción generada automáticamente

etc.)
• Based on the Turing effect - Machine’s ability to exhibit
a verbal behavior comparable to humans
• Character.ai
• Chosen by Google as the best app of the year
with artificial intelligence.
• A variety of characters and highly realistic
conversations
• Psychologist –Over 180 million interactions
 Interfaz de usuario gráfica, Texto, Aplicación, Sitio web

Descripción generada automáticamente

The tragic case of

Sewell Setzer
highlights a
significant danger
of chatbots,
particularly among
individuals with a
mental health
disorder or isolated
and lacking other
forms of support.
Key points of the case:
• Sewell developed a strong emotional bond with the chatbot, believing
he was in love with it. This attachment led to increased isolation and
withdrawal from real-life activities and relationships.

• The chatbot engaged Sewell in romantic and sexual conversations,

despite him identifying as a minor. These interactions intensified his
dependency on the AI and contributed to his mental distress.

• The chatbot reportedly discussed suicide with Sewell, asking if he had

a plan and responding insensitively when he expressed doubts. This
interaction is alleged to have encouraged his suicidal thoughts.

• On the day of his death, Sewell's last messages were to the chatbot,
expressing his intent to "come home" to it. The bot's response
allegedly reinforced his decision to take his own life.
Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
 Design of a Clinical App (30%) – In groups

1. Design an App that can solve a specific problem (for ex.:

to reduce suicide rates, detect relapses in bipolar
patients, prevent relapses in addictions, etc. )
2. Brief oral presentation of your personal project (15
min.) (Thursday - January 9th)
• Sell the App to your classmates
• Defend the design of your App
3. Write an essay about your concept-design (around 10-
12 pages) (January 19th)
 Relevant points of the activity
1. Information about the psychological disorder (DSM-V,
prevalence, negative consequences, etc.)
2. Which is the problem we want to overcome with the App?
3. Describe the objectives of your App
4. Present the design of your project
4.1 Which is the audience?
4.2 How can we solve the problem?
4.3 Which kind of technology will be used?

4.4 Describe the interface, structure, content and functionalities

5. Reflect about the activity (difficulties)

Generative AI for psychologists
What can we do? Millions of Apps!
 “The majority (67.3%)
of the currently
available anxiety apps Based Check
were found to lack the on the
involvement of health science team
care professionals in
their development, Modify
and very few (3.8%) of Seedy
the
Apps
them have been content
rigorously tested”
(Sucala et al. 2017)
A picture containing text, screenshot, person, computer

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ticsalutsocial.cat
calidadappsalud.com
fundacionisys.org
A picture containing text, person

Description automatically generated

onlinehulp-apps.be
A picture containing text, person

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orchahealth.com
4- The use of Virtual and Augmented
Reality in Psychology
Continuum by Milgram & Kishino (1994)
 “New human-computer
interaction modality in which the
patients are no longer simply
external observers of images and
data in a screen, but are active
participants that can navigate
and interact (in a first-person
perspective) with virtual worlds,
avatars, and stimuli” (Alsina-Jurnet,
2013)
 RAVE

Real Actions In Virtual

Environments
Richie’s Plank Experience (12.49€) – Fear of heights
The triangle of Immersive technologies
Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
The triangle of Immersive technologies
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

1)- ProReal

• Beyond the real world: visual

and symbolic representation of
how the patient experiences a
difficult or traumatic situation

• Versatile platform: used in

anxiety, depression,
personality disorders, eating
disorders, autism, incarcerated
population, etc.
3d avatars Role change
• Unlimited number of avatars • Exploring scenes and
• Identification: size and color situations from different
• Representation of emotions perspectives

Symbols About - ProReal

• Represent facts, emotions or

thoughts
• Modification of key parameters

Virtual worlds
• Different landscapes and
locations
 2)- Open Brush (free)
Franquicia Vive Virtual | Ocio
Reduce anxiety and stress, and improve positive emotions
Motor Rehabilitation
3)- VR per Genere – Embodiment in gender-based violence
Kiin – Gender and Race
 Virtual patients – A Walk Through Dementia
A Walk Through Dementia - Alzheimer's Research UK
4)- Mood Induction Procedures
• What are? ” Strategies aimed at provoking a temporary emotional
state in individuals in an unnatural situation and in a controlled
manner; the induced mood must be specific and is intended to be an
experimental analogue of the mood that may occur in a natural
situation” (García-Palacios & Baños, 1999)
• Which have been used? The Velten procedure, the use of
autobiographical memories, hypnotic suggestion, imagination,
manipulation of facial expression, listening to musical pieces or
sounds, viewing film clips, etc. (Westermann et al., 1996)
• What are they typically used for?
• To understand emotions (e.g., physiological correlates)
• The impact of emotions on other basic cognitive processes
(attention, memory, etc.).
 4)- Mood Induction Procedures – Liminal VR
• Limitations?
• Effectiveness (e.g., Velten or facial expressions - 50%).
• Intensity (duration: 10-15 minutes).
• Flexibility (effective for inducing a single mood state).
CDN media
What do we need to have our own
VR/AR system?
1- OUTPUT devices
Output devices – Visual and auditory stimulation
Type 1 (AR): Non-immersive – Curiscope (human body)
Output devices – Visual and auditory stimulation
Type 1 (AR): Non-immersive – Phobos and Phobys (phobias)

PHOBOS AR on the App Store

Output devices – Visual and auditory stimulation
Type 2 (AR): AR HMD + Smartphone- Aryzon
Output devices – Visual and auditory stimulation
Type 3 (AR): Immersive AR Glasses
Resultat d'imatges de hololens 2

Hololens 2 (3.849€) Magic Leap 2 (3.299$) Moverio BT-45C (1.633€)

Meta Quest 3 - The latest VR headset from Meta |
Product Hunt

Apple Vision Pro (3.499$) Meta Quest 3s (329€) Meta Quest 3 (550€)
Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
Output devices – Visual and auditory stimulation
Type 3 (AR): Immersive AR Glasses
Resultat d'imatges de hololens 2

Hololens 2 (3.849€) Magic Leap 2 (3.299$) Moverio BT-45C (1.633€)

Meta Quest 3 - The latest VR headset from Meta |
Product Hunt

Apple Vision Pro (3.499$) Meta Quest 3s (329€) Meta Quest 3 (550€)
Empowered Brain – Training socioemotional skills in ASD
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Description automatically generated

Diagram

Description automatically generated with low

confidence
Envision Glasses – Improve the quality of life of blind people
Output devices – Visual and auditory stimulation
Type 4 (AR): AR Contact Lenses
Mojo Vision's Smart Contact Lens is Further Along Than You'd Think
Output devices – Visual and auditory stimulation
Type 1 (VR): HMD + Computer

HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Vive Pro 2 (1.399$)

(469$)

PIMAX 8K X DMAS (1.387$)

Output devices – Visual and auditory stimulation
Type 2 (VR): HMD + Smartphone

VR Box (18€) Google Cardboard 2.0 (10- 15€)

 Free immersive videos
Youtube: Ovoto360, EU SVA, BECOME-HUB
C:\Users\ivan\Downloads\13921080_1108683485821540_2258587816140520004_n.jpg Imagen que contiene árbol, frente, parado, hombre

Descripción generada automáticamente

To record our own immersive videos
360º Cameras
Câmeras | Ricoh América Latina

Ricoh Theta Insta 360 X3

Fear of public speaking

Personalized hierarchy
Type of auditorium
Number of persons
Reactions
Output devices – Visual and auditory stimulation
Type 3 (VR): Standalone HMD

Meta Quest 3 (550€)

Pico 4 (429€)

Meta Quest 3s (329€)

Output devices – Tactile stimulation
Combine digital worlds with real objects
Patient is going through therapy for agoraphobia:
1. The psychologist choose a virtual metro
2. In VR, the patient is standing near the handrail.
3. In real life, the patient is holding an spray, which is placed
over a vibrating chair.
Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
Output devices – Olfactory stimulation
OVR Technology – ION 2
OVR Technology on Twitter: "#FactFriday: PTSD affects up to 20% of combat #veterans. Our
work with @SkipRizzoVR and #Bravemind in prolonged exposure therapy is engaging the
sense of smell through #virtualreality to
Output devices – Olfactory stimulation
Relax VR – Organic essential oils
Output devices – Olfactory stimulation
Do it Yourself: Immersive videos + real smells
Joven sentado en una silla

Descripción generada automáticamente con confianza media

Output devices – Gustatory stimulation
Norimaki – 5 basic tastes: Sweet, salty, acidic, umami, bitter
 What is real and what is digital? Are
our senses similar to a “virtual reality”
machine for perceiving the real world?
2- INPUT devices
Input devices – Give information about the user’s actions
Pads specifically designed for immersive experiences
Input devices
Your own body (you are the operating system)
Input devices
Treadmills – Allow for a more natural walking experience
No photo description available.
Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
2- INPUT devices
 Input devices
Eyetracking – What is the patient looking at? For how long?
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Descripción generada automáticamente

Input devices
Eyetracking – What is the patient looking at? For how long?
Treatment - Cognitive Therapy

Without social anxiety With social anxiety

Input devices
Eyetracking – What is the patient looking at? For how long?
Research – Attentional Biases

“The onset and maintenance of

anxiety disorders has been
associated with biases in attention,
and in particular, a tendency to be
easily distracted by potential threats
and to maintain attentional focus on
these threats at the expense of
attending to other, perhaps more
important, things in the
environment”
Input devices
Eyetracking – What is the patient looking at? For how long?
Training - Social and communication skills
Input devices
Eyetracking – What is the patient looking at? For how long?
Assessment – Sexual deviances (pedophilia). Eyetracking +
penile plethysmography
3- METAVERSE
Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

What the metaverse is?

A virtual space where digital avatars of different people from around
the world come together in a single virtual world that allows them to
interact with each other through activities such as working, training
skills, shopping, and socializing, among others (Alcívar-Cedeño, 2023)
Horizon Worlds Beta Goes Public In US Canada

Create the avatar(s) Train: relaxation or socials skills

(autism, social phobia)
Horizon Worlds: Así es el Metaverso de Facebook - GizTab
Mental Health –Tripp
Interfaz de usuario gráfica, Aplicación, Teams

Descripción generada automáticamente

Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Mental Health - Headspace XR (19.99$)

 Education – FuckUp Nights in Armenia
Fuckup Nights in Virtual Reality... is a Reality
Marketing – Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Lacoste, Burberry: Selling
virtual versions of their real products
 Marketing– Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Lacoste, Burberry: Selling
real products
Imagen que contiene interior, tabla, frente, pequeño

Descripción generada automáticamente

 Recursos Científicos de Cultura Científica

Marketing – Shopping malls in the metaverse (Alibaba, The

Mall) to buy both digital and real products
TheMall aims to have 100 floors and 100M square feet in the metaverse | VentureBeat
Psychology
and New Technology
IVAN ALSINA JURNET

Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de

Catalunya (UVIC-UCC)
Relax VR (EUA)
Institute of Cyberpsychology (Armenia)
Which are the main clinical uses
of VR/AR?
1)- Anxiety-related disorders
(Carl et al.., 2019; Meyerbröker & Emmelkamp, 2008; Morina et al., 2015;
Opris et al., 2012; Parsons & Rizzo, 2008; Powers & Emmelkamp, 2008)

Specific phobias (flying, heights, spiders, etc.)

Panic disorders with/without agoraphobia
Social anxiety (fear of public speaking)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Test anxiety
Relaxation techniques
In comparison to in vivo exposure…

• Patients with high levels of anxiety

(resistant to traditional treatments)

• Psychological disorders that are

difficult to treat in the real world (for
ex.: fear of flying, test anxiety, etc.)
• Better control over the exposure
parameters
• Higher levels of privacy and
confidentiality
Test Anxiety in University students

• In Spain, 15 - 25% of the university students experience

high levels of test anxiety

• Negative consequences:

Weakened immune system (flue)

Exams period

Changes in student's habits (food, alcohol, etc.)

Mood disorders (anxiety and depression)
Exam day

Avoidance behaviors (avoiding the exam)

Academic performance below the expected level
Liebert and Morris (1967) – Components of test anxiety
Emotionality Physiological reactions caused by the
activation of the autonomic nervous
system (headaches, stomach aches, nausea,
diarrheic, sweating, tachycardia, dry mouth,
etc.)

• Worry Negative thoughts (possibility of failure,

negative consequences of failing, have less
capacities than others, to be embarrassed,
etc.)

Interferes during the exam and while

studying for the exam
Yerkes Dodson Law – How anxiety affects performance
Increased arousal can help to improve the performance,
but only up to a certain point. The best performance is
product of a mild level of arousal
Virtual Worlds I - Student’s House
4
Virtual Worlds II – The Metro (metro stations, inside the train)
Virtual Worlds III – The University (hallway and classroom)
Diagnostic manuals of mental health disorders (DSM-5) don't
provide guidelines for determining which external stimuli are
critical for a particular psychological disorder
Relevant situations – Incorporated to the VR scenarios

• Study the day before of the examination

• Bed time
• The morning of the examination
• Travelling to the examination
• Waiting in the hallway
• Comments of classmates
• Sitting in the examination room, waiting
• Exams being handed out
• Reading the questions
Negative thoughts

• Underestimate the own capacities

• Perfectionism
• Worry about factors related to the exam
• Negative consequences of failure
• Time management
• Guilty for the effort dedicated
Negative thoughts

• Underestimate the own capacities

• Perfectionism
• Worry about factors related to the exam
• Negative consequences of failure
• Time management
• Guilty for the effort dedicated
Intervention protocol – Based on VR and cognitive techniques

• Initial assessment (45 - 60 min)

• 1st session: psychoeducation (45 min)

• 2nd session: cognitive restructuring (60 min)

• 3rd – 7th session: VR exposure (60 min)

• Posttreatment assessment (45 min)

Assessment - Pre and Post-test

• Interview: socio-demographical data, symptomatology,

evolution of the problem...

• TAI (Test Anxiety Inventory, Spielberger, 1978): 20

items, 2 sub-scales: worry and emotionality.
• STAI-R (Stait-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Spielberger et al.,
1970): trait sub-scale, 20 items.
• SCL-90-R (Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, Derogatis,
1977): 90 items, 9 symptom scales.

• Academic record: avoidance and qualifications

Session 1 - Psychoeducation

• Information about test anxiety –Youtube and ProtonDrive

• Explain and justify the intervention
- Exposure techniques based on VR (Emotionality)
- Cognitive restructuring (Worry)
• Homework: Negative thoughts self-report - Google Sheets
or Avicenna

• Hierarchy of fearful situations

 NEGATIVE THOUGHTS SELF-REPORT
Name:_________________________________________Date:_________

DAY HOUR ACTIVITY REALIZED THOUGHT LEVEL OF DEGREE

ANXIETY OF BELIEF.
(0-10) (0-10)
Session 2 - Cognitive Techniques

• Review the negative thoughts self-report

• Hierarchy of negative thoughts according to the level of
anxiety (0 to 10)

• Cognitive therapy: Discussion about the veracity of each

negative thought
• Create an alternative positive thought for each negative
thought

• Stopping thought training

 Checklist for Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)

• The patient has been instructed to focalize the attentional

resources on the virtual environment
• The therapist should prepare a narrative before starting the
exposure to each virtual environment

• The guidance within the virtual environment should be done in a

way that suggest that is a real situation

• If the patient has very high levels of anxiety, stop the exposure
and apply relaxation techniques
• To prevent the Simulator Sickness, take a 5 min. pause after
about 15-20 minutes of exposure
 Sessions 3rd – 5th - VRET + Cognitive Techniques

• Exposure to the virtual scenario (chronological order)

Home night Home day Metro Hallway Classroom

- Subjective Units of discomfort in a 0 a 10 scale (SUDS)

- Stopping thought technique
- Cognitive restructuring if new negative thoughts appear
Sessions 6th – 7th - VRET + Relapse prevention

• Exposure to the virtual environments (a more fearful

version of the VR scenarios)

• SUDS graphical representation (patient’s evolution)

• Relapse prevention

• Self-report in real situations

 TAI Avoidance
95,83
70 96

60 54,5 94
92
50
90
40 35 35,83 Before 88 Before
Post Treatment 86 84,5
30 Post Treatment
Follow Up 84
20 82
10 80
78
0 1,36 Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality 1,4

1,2 1
1

0,8
Before
0,6 Post Treatment

0,4

0,2

0
Virtual Reality

Academic performance