Interactive stories for health interventions

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in exploring virtual environments and computer aided interactive stories as tools in developing health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Applications have been developed to address a range of health related conditions, including stress [1], risky behaviors [2] and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) [3]. Compared to conventional intervention techniques, which usually require face-toface interactions with clinicians, computer aided interactive stories have several advantages. They are less expensive to the user. The user can access the materials at any time and from his/her convenient locations. The privacy provided by computer aided interventions can help engage the user more efficiently. People who are suffering from mental health conditions often do not actively seek treatment because of the perceived stigma. Interacting with a computer program can make them feel less embarrassed and more in control. Moreover, story itself is a powerful tool to teach and change people's behaviors. The support of interactivity makes interactive stories even more powerful by allowing the user to experience and learn in context. Further, the story, and intervention messages, can be tailored based on user profiles and the user's patterns of interaction within the intervention. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.