Research Article
Queering E-Therapy: Considerations for the Delivery of Virtual Reality Based Mental Health Solutions with LGBTQ2IA+ Communities
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-030-99194-4_13, author={Adrian Bolesnikov and Aryan Golshan and Lauren Tierney and Ashi Mann and Jin Kang and Audrey Girouard}, title={Queering E-Therapy: Considerations for the Delivery of Virtual Reality Based Mental Health Solutions with LGBTQ2IA+ Communities}, proceedings={Pervasive Computing Technologies for Healthcare. 15th EAI International Conference, Pervasive Health 2021, Virtual Event, December 6-8, 2021, Proceedings}, proceedings_a={PERVASIVEHEALTH}, year={2022}, month={3}, keywords={Support technology Mental health LGBTQ+ E-therapy}, doi={10.1007/978-3-030-99194-4_13} }- Adrian Bolesnikov
Aryan Golshan
Lauren Tierney
Ashi Mann
Jin Kang
Audrey Girouard
Year: 2022
Queering E-Therapy: Considerations for the Delivery of Virtual Reality Based Mental Health Solutions with LGBTQ2IA+ Communities
PERVASIVEHEALTH
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-99194-4_13
Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a rapidly advancing technology with substantial attention from scientific disciplines including Psychology and Human-Computer Interaction. It has become an attractive tool that can offer healthcare support. Marginalized groups like lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, two-spirit, intersex, and asexual/aromatic (LGBTQ2IA+) adults are at increased risk of poor mental health outcomes. The design of digital mental health tools, including VR, often overlook queer adults. In this study, we investigate the experience and the potential of digital mental health services for queer adults and mental health practitioners (MHP) that may inform future designs and implementation. We deployed an online survey and collected responses from 12 queer participants and 7 MHP. We found five themes that address general digital mental health for queer adults and MHP: (1) simple delivery, (2) flexible use, (3) seamless interactivity, (4) personalization, and (5) support. In addition, we noted six themes for VR-specific design considerations: (1) low cost (2) research, training, and education, (3) usability, (4) safety and privacy, (5) immersion, and (6) provider control and customization. Our findings highlight a series of actionable design considerations for digital mental health tools, and emphasize the importance of factors such as usability and accessibility when designing digital mental health tools for the queer community.
