Harnessing the power of conversations with virtual humans to change health behaviors

Abstract

Skillful, collaborative conversations are powerful tools to improve physical and mental health. Whether you are a parent talking with your child about the dangers of substance abuse, an educator concerned about a student's signs of psychological distress, a veteran worried about a buddy who is contemplating suicide, or a healthcare professional wanting to better engage patients to increase treatment compliance, having the skill, confidence and motivation to engage in conversations can truly transform the health and well-being of those you interact with. Kognito develops role-play simulations that prepare individuals to effectively lead real-life conversations that measurably improve social, emotional, and physical health. The behavior change model that drives the simulations draws upon components of game mechanics, virtual human simulation technology and integrates evidence-based instructional design components as well as principles of social-cognitive theory and neuroscience such as motivational interviewing, emotional regulation, empathy and mindfulness. In the simulations, users or enter a risk-free practice environment and engage in a conversation with intelligent, fully animated, and emotionally responsive virtual characters that model human behavior. It is in practicing these conversations, and receiving feedback from a virtual coach, that users learn to better lead conversations in real life. Numerous longitudinal studies have shown that users who complete Kognito simulations demonstrate statistically significant and sustained increases in attitudinal variables that predict behavior change including preparedness, likelihood, and self-efficacy to better manage conversations. Pending the target population, each online or mobile simulation resulted in desired behavior changes ranging from increased referrals of students, patients or veterans in psychological distress to mental health support services, or increasing physician patient-centered communication or patient self-confidence and active involved in the decision-making processes. These simulations have demonstrated a capability to address major health and public health concerns where effective conversations are necessary to bring about changes in attitudes and behaviors.

Keywords: Simulations; behavior change; motivational interviewing; role play; virtual humans.

Figure 1

Screenshot from At-Risk in Primary Care: Adolescent where healthcare professionals learn to conduct screening and brief interventions with adolescents at-risk for mental health and substance use disorders.

Figure 2

Screenshot from Together Strong: where veterans and military personnel learn how to support their buddies exhibiting signs of post-deployment stress and motivate them to seek help.

Figure 3

Screenshot of performance dashboard that provides detailed feedback on how well the user achieved each conversation goal.

Figure 4

A screenshot from At-Risk for Students, a mental health simulation where students learn how to speak with and motivate fellow students experiencing psychological distress to seek help.

Figure 5

Conversation components of the Kognito Behavior Change Model.