CogniShift: Smartphone Application for Public Speaking Anxiety

Abstract

Mental sundhed har fået øget opmærksomhed i løbet af det sidste årti, mens barrierer forhindrer mange i at søge behandling. En af de mest almindelige angstlidelser er offentlige taleangst (PSA), som kan have karriere- og uddannelsesmæssige konsekvenser såvel som personlige. Den mest almindelige behandlingsform for PSA, som har vist sig at være effektiv, er kognitiv adfærdsterapi (CBT). Selvom CBT har vist sig at være effektiv, forhindrer barrierer som stigma individer i at søge behandling. Vi udførte en studie for at supplere terapisessioner med en smartphone-applikation. Studiet omfattede et review med en psykolog og interviews med brugere, der sigter mod at undersøge muligheden for at bruge en digitaliseret thought record med automatisk feedback til reduktion af barrierer for at søge behandling uden at forsømme kvaliteten af behandlingen. Vores studie leverede forskellige indsigter, herunder vigtigheden af at inkludere mental sundhedspersonale, behovet for begrænset personalisering og en skelnen mellem begivenheder, afhængigt af hvem der kunne være involveret i dem. Vores bidrag kan tjene som et fundament i fremtidig forskning om emnet.

Mental health has received increased attention over the past decade, while barriers prevent many from seeking treatment. One of the most common anxiety disorders is Public speaking anxiety (PSA), which can have career and educational consequences, as well as personal. The most common treatment for PSA, which has proven effective, is Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Although CBT has proven effective, barriers like stigma are preventing individuals from seeking treatment. We conducted a study to complement therapy sessions with a smartphone application. The study included a review with a psychologist and interviews with users, aiming to explore the feasibility of utilizing a Digitized Thought record, with automated feedback, in reducing the barriers in seeking treatment while not neglecting the quality of the therapy. Our study provided various findings, including the importance of including mental health professional assistance, the need for limited customization, and a distinction of events, depending on who might be involved in them. Our contributions might serve as a foundation in future research on the topic.

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A master thesis from Aalborg University

CogniShift: Smartphone Application for Public Speaking Anxiety