Acceptance and use of a multi-modal avatar-based tool for remediation of social cognition deficits

This paper focuses on the validation of a tool designed to improve affect recognition, a fundamental aspect of social cognition as it greatly affects the functionality and quality of life of patients with mental disorders. The presented tool facilitates the generation of multi-modal avatar-based therapies by mental health professionals in this important clinical domain. Moreover, the tool for remediation of social cognitive deficits may be customised to each patient’s impairment. This paper describes how the tool was assessed by therapists after viewing a video explaining its most relevant aspects. The participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire based on UTAUT2 for the study of the acceptance and use of this technology. In light of the results obtained from 41 therapists about their intention of use, the most important statement is that their interest for this kind of tools is high. Nonetheless, there are some factors that negatively affect their behavioural intention.