Application: HoloLens spiders
The Psychology and Technology research line wanted to investigate whether using AR for treatment has more potential in a ...
Project Psychology and technology
The use of technology within mental health care received an unexpected and abrupt boost as a result of the Corona crisis. Image calling, in particular, was adopted en masse, in a sector that had previously been extremely wary of technological applications. The turnaround revealed frustrations and gaps, but also offers potential. Many social workers are exploring various forms of technology at a small pace, although they note that desired applications are often still lacking or that deploying applications within a Flemish context often requires (literally and figuratively) translation work.
Date
From until
Supported by
Onderwijs Vlaanderen (PWO)
Within the research line Psychology and Technology, extensive expertise has already been built up on the possibilities that technology offers and the methods with which these can be optimally used. Within the framework of this PWO project, concrete practical applications are being set up in both the short and medium term. On the one hand, we can make immediate use of our existing expertise, but on the other hand, the various activities that are being set up with academic and work field partners also aim to further research the theoretical foundations and general evidence of these approaches, in order to allow the Flemish sectors of welfare and mental health to make better use of technological applications.
Goals
The diversity in technology translates into several research topics, specifically
- Strengthen current services with specialized online platforms with a solid theoretical and/or technological foundation which can be used for blended therapy.
- Lower the threshold for social workers to be able to work on their own with immersive technologies such as photorealistic VR and AR.
- Explore the possibilities that conversational artificial intelligence (AI) can offer, not only for well-being, but also within mainstream mental health care.
- Provide professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to best utilize the above technology (and more).
Team
Research line coordinator
Tom Van Daele
Tom Van Daele (PhD) is research coordinator Psychology and technology in the People and Well-being research group. As a clinical psychologist, he conducts research on the added value of technology within mental health care.
Researcher
Sylvie Bernaerts
Sylvie Bernaerts (PhD) is a researcher in the People and Well-being research group, research line Psychology and technology. Her areas of expertise are immersive technology and artificial intelligence in (mental) health care.
Researcher
Nele De Witte
Nele De Witte (PhD) is a researcher in the People and Well-being research group, research line Psychology and technology. Her areas of expertise include wearables and XR. She is also the scientific coordinator of LiCalab.
Researcher
Eva Van Assche
Eva Van Assche (PhD) is a lecturer-researcher in the People and Well-being research group, research line Psychology and technology. She focuses on how digital technologies (e.g., applications, websites) can contribute to mental health care.
Valorisation staff - researcher
Fien Buelens
Fien Buelens (MSc) is a researcher and business developer in the People and Well-being research group, research line Psychology and technology. From her expertise, she facilitates the connection between research and practice.
Related research lines
