An experiential study of digital interactive feedback for anxiety attention bias modification

Abstract

Attentional Bias Modification Training (ABMT) shows promise in digital therapy for anxiety. However, there's limited research on interactive feedback in ABMT for anxiety populations. This study examines ABMT's application in anxiety interventions, focusing on different interactive feedback effects on user experience, willingness to participate, and intervention outcomes. Using an emotional visual search task, the experiment comprised two parts: participants completed 100 trials with varied feedback, and their anxiety changes and eye-movement tendencies were recorded. In the second part, participants experienced each task 10 times, completed a user experience questionnaire, and underwent interviews. Results revealed ABMT's positive impact on anxiety. Combining avatar customization and points enhanced intervention effects, while points feedback alone was ineffective. Avatar customization or a combination of feedback methods led to a better participant experience. The study suggests points may increase stress, while customized images guide emotions positively, emphasizing interactive feedback's importance in digital interventions and offering insights for future development.

Keywords: Interactive Feedback, User Experience, Digital Healthcare, Attentional Bias Modification, Anxiety

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005421