Gamified intervention: VR can immerse patients in real-world scenarios, providing transformative immersive experiences within the confines of their own living spaces. – 123rf.com
PSYCHOLOGISTS play a vital role in addressing deficiencies and promoting growth in one’s self-actualisation, esteem, sense of love and belonging, safety, and physiological requirements – all of which are the five basic needs underscored in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory.
Regardless of their specialised area of practice, psychologists’ communication and derivation of conversational data, along with written inputs from various tests conducted through conventional methods, remain relevant in this digital age.
However, significant improvement is possible with the timely application of the appropriate digital technology.
In healthcare and mental well-being, the speed of reaching the final diagnoses is crucial for early intervention and clinical decision-making.
Therefore, integrating digital tools into tertiary psychology curricula is imperative to provide future practitioners with practical experience alongside their theoretical studies.
For example, the eyeball tracker is a digital tool that enhances cognitive processes, enabling students exposed to it to improve the usability of health information technology (HIT) applications for quantifying attentional processes.
Another purpose-built device is the electroencephalogram (EEG), which, being non-invasive, enables quantitative analysis of dynamic signals.
This technology allows students to gain insights into the propagation patterns of messages, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as sleep disorders, behavioural issues and thought patterns.
Gamification approach
Psychological disorders can be effectively addressed through gamification interventions, with the primary goal of increasing intrinsic motivation.
Games like Celeste help players overcome anxiety through persistent gameplay and overcoming obstacles.
Omori, a role-playing game (RPG), offers players a perfect representation of trauma, while Hellblade serves as a symbol for psychosis, challenging associated stigmas.
Gamification models using virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) development, often utilising head-mounted display (HMD) technology, can immerse patients in real-world scenarios, providing transformative immersive experiences within the confines of their own living spaces.
Mobile and web-based applications are also valuable tools in mental health treatments and should be integrated into tertiary psychology curricula as core content delivery tools.
For example, there are applications that help with research concepts, exam preparation, brain studies, obsessive-compulsive disorder tracking, happiness quantification, and motivational goal boosting.
To summarise, games and mobile applications reinforce social-emotional learning and can have positive impacts when used in conjunction with curriculum content as part of blended learning.
Emphasis on AI
Psychology training places a strong emphasis on in-demand skills, from data analysis to building functional multidisciplinary teams, to support diverse treatment approaches.
In clinical methods, artificial intelligence (AI) applications and machine learning enable psychologists to receive feedback on their clinical implementations.
Data plays a crucial role, allowing software tools and electronic devices to provide precise diagnostics.
A notable example is a stress sensor based on galvanic skin response (GSR), which involves placing two electrodes on human fingers to measure skin conductance and determine stress levels.
Moreover, one of the fastest-growing fields for psychologists is equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI).
According to data from LinkedIn’s Talent Blog from 2015 to 2022, EDI roles within organisations have increased by 71%, with qualified psychologists filling many of these positions.
Proficiency in data analytics becomes essential for addressing EDI well-being issues, using software tools such as JMP and SPSS.
These tools should be introduced early in psychology education to prepare students for the application of statistical models in mental measurements as part of psychometrics.
Undergraduate psychology students should also have the opportunity to engage in research which incorporates AI, and not solely rely on postgraduate opportunities to delve deeper into finding solutions. Research at this stage should always have practical applications.
Gaining momentum
Technologies such as teletherapy, VR therapy, mobile applications, and online games are now effectively deployed as innovative methods for delivering mental health treatment alongside traditional approaches.
Digital psychology skills empower psychologists to navigate the digital landscape, utilising the power of behavioural psychology, persuasion techniques, and neuromarketing.
Addressing new mental health challenges, such as excessive gaming among young individuals and cyberbullying, is best achieved through digital means.
In the context of cyberpsychology, understanding how people interact with technology is essential for creating a healthier cybersecurity environment. Forbes reported that investors contributed a record-breaking US$1.5bil (RM7.13bil) to mental health startups in 2022 alone.
The psychology profession is gaining momentum and recognition within the healthcare industry. As educators, we must ensure that graduates are digitally equipped to meet the evolving demands of mental healthcare.
Prof Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam is the chief innovation & enterprise officer at APIIT Education Group and Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU). He has authored and co-authored over 130 articles, journals and books in the fields of total engineering and digital technology. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
