Knowles, S.E., Toms, G., Sanders, C., Bee, P., Lovell, K., Rennick-Egglestone, S., Coyle, D., Kennedy, C.M., Littlewood, E., Kessler, D., Gilbody, S., & Bower, P. (2014). Qualitative meta-synthesis of user experience of computerized therapy for depression and anxiety. PLOS One,9(1), e84323. PMID: 24465404.
Although much research has examined the effectiveness of computerized therapies for anxiety and depression, less is known about the acceptability of these programs for users. In this meta-synthesis, the authors investigated how users felt about computerized therapy programs. After completing a systematic literature search, eight articles were selected for review. All articles used qualitative methods (e.g. focus groups, interviews) to study the acceptability of computerized therapy programs for adults with anxiety or depression. Across all reviewed articles, users wanted the computerized therapy programs to be more sensitive to their clinical needs and emotions. Users were also conflicted between feeling empowered by completing therapy autonomously, and feeling that completing therapy without professional help was burdensome and difficult. Additionally, some users appreciated the privacy afforded by computerized therapy, while others felt socially isolated. Overall, the authors suggest balancing these opposing needs by developing programs that can be individualized for users, and promote social connections with others through online networks, email, or video messaging.