Alexz Farrall elucidates the functionality of PAWS. Attribution: Vittoria D’Alessio, University of Bath
A doctoral candidate at the University of Bath in the United Kingdom has developed a tactile sphere that “embodies” human respiration, designed to assist in emotional regulation and focus. The sphere expands and contracts in harmony with the user’s inhalation and exhalation, providing a tangible representation of one’s breathing pattern.
Alexz Farrall, the postgraduate researcher from the Department of Computer Science responsible for the invention, articulated that the device aims to heighten self-awareness by making one’s breathing palpable, thereby contributing to enhanced mental health.
Generally overlooked, focused and deep breathing is well-regarded among mental health experts for its capacity to mitigate stress and improve mental acuity. Techniques that prioritize mindful respiration are often incorporated into treatment modalities like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and trauma-specific therapies.
However, many individuals find it challenging to sustain their focus on breathing, which subsequently impacts their responsiveness to certain mental health treatments requiring concentration.
Farrall expressed hope that this adaptive sphere could potentially offer solutions for individuals grappling with mental health concerns.
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Augmented Concentration Reduces Anxiety
Research spearheaded by Farrall indicates that utilization of the adaptive sphere substantially improves participants’ ability to maintain focus on their breathing. This, in turn, allows them to more effectively engage with meditation apps’ guided audio instructions. Among the study participants who used the sphere, there was an average 75% decline in anxiety levels and a 56% improvement in guarding against intrusive thoughts. Those using only audio guides recorded a lesser, 31% decrease in anxiety levels.
Moreover, users who employed both the sphere and audio guidance demonstrated substantially higher Heart Rate Variability (HRV)—a metric indicative of improved emotional regulation and stress resilience—compared to those relying solely on audio.
These findings were unveiled earlier this year at the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, an eminent global platform focusing on human-computer interaction.
Addressing Service Gaps
Farrall elucidated that the sphere facilitates increased self-awareness by rendering one’s breathing tangible. This, he posits, can make individuals more receptive to psychological interventions. The escalating demand for mental health services currently surpasses the available resources, costing the NHS approximately £118 billion per year. Digital platforms like apps, despite their potential benefits, often face a high attrition rate.
The device, formally named the Physical Artefact for Well-being Support (PAWS), could serve as an adjunctive tool encouraging active engagement in mental health management. Farrall envisions its application in both professional healthcare settings and individual use.
Technological Components and Future Directions
The sphere operates through haptic feedback, leveraging sensors affixed to the user to transmit respiratory data to the device. Future iterations aim to incorporate Bluetooth technology and intelligent design elements to negate the need for wiring, enhancing user comfort and practicality.
A more comprehensive study is planned, aiming to more robustly assess the potential advantages of PAWS, informed by insights from mental health professionals and long-term users.
Reference: “Manifesting Breath: Empirical Evidence for the Integration of Shape-changing Biofeedback-based Artefacts within Digital Mental Health Interventions” by Alexz Farrall, Jordan Taylor, Ben Ainsworth, and Jason Alexander, dated April 19, 2023, Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.
DOI: 10.1145/3544548.3581188
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mental Health Technology
What is the primary objective of the PAWS adaptive sphere?
The primary objective of the Physical Artefact for Well-being Support (PAWS) is to assist individuals in mental health improvement by providing a tangible representation of their breathing patterns. The sphere inflates and deflates in synchrony with the user’s breath, aimed at enhancing focus and emotional regulation.
Who is behind the development of this technology?
The adaptive sphere, PAWS, has been developed by Alexz Farrall, a Ph.D. student at the University of Bath, United Kingdom, under the Department of Computer Science.
How does the PAWS sphere work?
The sphere operates through haptic feedback. Sensors attached to the user transmit data about their breathing patterns to the sphere, which then inflates or deflates in correspondence with the user’s inhalation and exhalation.
What evidence supports the effectiveness of PAWS in improving mental health?
Research led by Alexz Farrall showed that the sphere effectively heightens an individual’s ability to focus on their breathing. Among study participants who used the sphere, there was an average 75% decrease in anxiety levels and a 56% improvement in resistance to intrusive thoughts.
Where were the research findings presented?
The research findings were unveiled at the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, an eminent international conference focusing on human-computer interaction.
What other therapies and treatments can be complemented by PAWS?
Techniques that focus on mindful respiration, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), can potentially be complemented by PAWS.
Is the technology accessible for individual users?
Alexz Farrall envisions PAWS to be a tool for both professional healthcare settings and individual use. Future iterations aim to incorporate Bluetooth technology for enhanced accessibility and user comfort.
What are the future plans for PAWS?
A comprehensive study is planned to more robustly assess the potential benefits of PAWS. The study will be informed by insights from mental health professionals and people who have spent some time using the device.
How does PAWS contribute to the existing mental health ecosystem?
PAWS offers a novel approach by making breathing tangible, thereby encouraging active engagement in mental health management. It aims to bridge the gap between demand and available resources in mental health services.
More about Mental Health Technology
- University of Bath Department of Computer Science
- CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Overview
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Explained
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Stress Resilience
- Digital Health Interventions in Mental Health
- DOI for the Original Research Paper
- NHS Mental Health Services
10 comments
Wow, this PAWS thing sounds super cool! Seriously, anything that helps with mental health these days is more than welcome.
What a fascinating concept. Simple but effective it seems. Really interested in the research behind it, gonna check out that DOI link for sure.
is this just another tech gimmick or is it legit? The percentages about anxiety reduction seem pretty promising tho.
its kinda cool how technology is helping us in such personal ways now, but what happened to good ol meditation?
Does anyone know if it’s available for the public yet? With stress levels through the roof, I could really use something like this.
impressive! I’ve tried apps for breathing and stuff but never stuck with them. Maybe holding a physical object will make a diff.
Wait, a PhD student came up with this? Kudos to the young minds for actually contributing something meaningful.
gotta say, im intrigued. Breathin’ made physical, huh? Kinda curious how it’ll feel to literally hold my breath in my hands.
Just imagine the implications if this is as effective as the article suggests! Could be a massive breakthrough in mental health care.
Honestly, I can see this being used in therapy sessions. Combining traditional methods with tech can be a game-changer.