(PS10-A2) Impact of Digital Environment on Alcohol Users Perceptions of a Motivational Interviewing Intervention: Qualitative Analysis of Semi-structured Interviews

Introduction. Accumulating evidence suggests that the environmental context in which therapy occurs impacts client impressions of clinician competencies that inform sense of safety, connection, and engagement with services (Noble & Devlin, 2021; Jones, 2020). Clients utilize physical signifiers in the therapy office to build impressions about clinicians that inform sense of safety, connection, and engagement (Jones, 2020). Although use of digital platforms is accelerating, limited research explores care recipient experiences of virtual therapy spaces. The present study describes consumer perceptions of one digital health intervention environment.

Methods. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 alcohol users (Male = 50%; M_age = 35.7, SD_age = 8.0) who interacted with a virtual psychotherapy intervention which occurred within a digital office. Participants were White (50%), African American (20%), Latin/Hispanic (10%), Asian (5%), and Other (5%). Open codes were identified and organized into a codebook based on common themes. The codebook was used to code all transcripts. Acceptability codes were weighed on a scale from 1 (negative) to 5 (positive).

Results. Qualitative analysis revealed that the virtual environment was mentioned by 12 participants across 26 excerpts (4.6%). Realism of the virtual office setting was rated positively (M = 3.8), with one consumer stating, “It was like sitting in a real office environment…and actually having a one-on-one conversation.” Generally positive emotional responses to the virtual environment were also described (M = 3.7), with one consumer stating, “[the digital environment] was really comforting.” Several participants (n = 9) endorsed a preference for increased options for customization of the virtual environment (M = 3.5).

Discussion. While psychologically derived intervention content and delivering virtual agents impact acceptability, surrounding digital environments are noticed and impact user perceptions. Findings highlight the importance of considering digital environment aspects when developing mental health interventions that utilize virtual conversation agents. 

References

Jones, J. K. (2020). A place for therapy: Clients reflect on their experiences in psychotherapists’ offices. Qualitative Social Work, 19(3), 406-423. https://doi.org/10.1177/1473325020911676

Noble, L., & Devlin, A. S. (2021). Perceptions of psychotherapy waiting rooms: Design recommendations, Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 14(3), 140-154.