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Exploring Predictors of Counselors' Acceptance of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy With Resistance and Job Contexts as Moderators: Cross-Sectional Mixed Methods Study

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Title: Exploring Predictors of Counselors' Acceptance of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy With Resistance and Job Contexts as Moderators: Cross-Sectional Mixed Methods Study Author(s): Kim, Myungsung; Jeon, Min; Lee, Yerin; Lee, Sangil; Kim, Hwang; Jung, Dooyoung Abstract: Background: Exposure therapy effectively treats anxiety disorders but faces implementation barriers, including cost, time constraints, and reluctance from therapists and clients. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) offers a controlled digital alternative addressing these issues. However, adoption remains limited, with previous studies focusing mainly on hospital settings without considering individual or workplace factors. Objective: This study examined factors affecting counselors' VRET acceptance across diverse settings. We used the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) extended with job stress and resistance to change. Open-ended questions provided a deeper understanding of counselors' perspectives on VRET. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed methods study was conducted with 258 certified counselors across various settings, including universities, public institutions, and private clinics. Participants watched a 4-minute VRET introduction video and completed a survey measuring UTAUT variables (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and social influence), resistance to change, and job stress. Stepwise forward selection multiple linear regression with moderation analyses was conducted to identify key predictors and test interaction effects. Open-ended responses (N=257, 290 meaning units) on VRET applicability and improvement suggestions were analyzed using team-based thematic analysis with iterative consensus coding. Results: Performance expectancy (β=.404, 95% CI 0.297-0.512, P<.001) and social influence (β=.387, 95% CI 0.280-0.494, P<.001) significantly predicted VRET adoption intentions (R2=0.494). Moderation analysis revealed that routine seeking weakened performance expectancy impact (β=-.160, 95% CI -0.277 to -0.043, P<.01), low job control strengthened it (β=.162, 95% CI 0.280-0.494, P<.005), and high job demands reduced social influence effects (β=-.150, 95% CI -0.263 to -0.036, P=.01). The narrow confidence intervals indicate precise estimation of these moderation effects. Younger counselors were more sensitive to contextual moderators, while older counselors prioritized performance expectancy. Thematic analysis identified 3 themes: counselor evaluation criteria for VRET, emphasizing content diversity and scientific validation; considerations for promoting and introducing VRET to counselors, addressing implementation challenges; and areas requiring continuous improvement for VRET field implementation, emphasizing professional competence and system reliability. Conclusions: This study advances VRET acceptance research by examining certified counselors across diverse nonhospital settings-unlike prior hospital-focused physician studies-and extending UTAUT with profession-specific moderators. Performance expectancy and social influence emerged as primary predictors, with routine seeking and job context significantly moderating these effects across age groups. Thematic analysis revealed that counselors evaluate VRET as a supplementary tool requiring scientific validation, diverse content, and structured training rather than technological usability alone. Findings inform practical strategies as follows: disseminating effectiveness evidence, leveraging professional networks, addressing work environment barriers for high-demand contexts, and developing age-appropriate approaches. Insights guide content developers, policymakers, and researchers implementing VRET beyond hospital settings. © Myungsung Kim, Min Jeon, Yerin Lee, Sangil Lee, Hwang Kim, Dooyoung Jung. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org).

An empirical study of cognitive load and constraint-driven innovation in the early phase of product design within a digitally mediated medium

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Title: An empirical study of cognitive load and constraint-driven innovation in the early phase of product design within a digitally mediated medium Author(s): Tufail, Muhammad; Park, Hyunyim; Wang, Hailiang; Kim, KwanMyung Abstract: Digitally mediated design mediums have revolutionized product design, but their cognitive impact during early concept design stages remains unclear. This study employs cognitive load theory (CLT) and constraint-driven cognition to examine how traditional (TD) and digitally mediated (DM) mediums influence cognitive load, problem-solving, and design outcomes. A quasi-experimental study with 16 design students, divided into TD and DM groups, used two distinct design tasks. Results revealed three key findings. First, the DM medium imposed a significantly higher extraneous cognitive load due to attentional fragmentation and interface management, consuming working memory resources critical for creative synthesis. Second, a fundamental strategic divergence emerged: the TD group engaged in problem-driven cognition through material constraints, yielding higher conceptual novelty (63% vs. 25%) and five times more sustainability considerations. The DM group used solution-driven strategies, leading to more derived outcomes. Third, the cognitive impact was task-dependent; digital tools reduced intrinsic load for well-defined mechanical tasks but offered no advantage for open-ended aesthetic tasks. This study suggests design mediums function as active cognitive environments, not neutral tools. A reevaluation of design education and practice is essential, promoting digital metacognition, retaining tactile skills, and developing hybrid processes that leverage the distinct cognitive benefits of each medium.

공공장소에서 프라이버시와 사용자 경험을 고려한 디자인 가이드라인 구축에 관한 연구

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Title: 공공장소에서 프라이버시와 사용자 경험을 고려한 디자인 가이드라인 구축에 관한 연구 Author(s): 조광민; 윤정균; 정주영; 김차중 Abstract: 본 연구는 공공장소에서 프라이버시를 고려한 디자인 가이드라인을 제시하 기 위한 연구이다. 공공장소가 공동 사용을 목적으로 하지만, 개인의 프라 이버시 문제는 사용자 경험의 중요한 요소로, 물리적 공간뿐만 아니라 심리 적 요소에도 영향을 미친다. 본 연구는 40명의 사용자 대상으로 인터뷰와 가치 매핑를 통해 다양한 공공장소에서의 프라이버시 중요성을 평가했다. 결과를 바탕으로 네 가지 유형의 공공장소(쾌락적-역동적, 쾌락적-정적, 실 용적-동적, 실용적-정적)를 대상으로 프라이버시의 중요 요소를 분석하고, 각 공간의 특성에 맞는 가이드라인을 도출하였다. 전문가 비교연구를 통해 가이드라인의 평가를 진행했다. 또한 사용자대상으로 사용자 경험 평가를 진행했다. 연구 결과는 프라이버시와 사용자 만족도를 높이기 위한 가이드 라인으로 활용할 수 있었다. 본 연구는 디자이너, 건축가, 도시 계획자와 정 책 결정자들에게 유용한 통찰과 실질적인 디자인 방향을 제공할 수 있다.

Exploring User Experience between Traditional and Contemporary Metaphorical Design in terms of Product Form and Interaction: A Case Study of the Development of a Food Processor

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Title: Exploring User Experience between Traditional and Contemporary Metaphorical Design in terms of Product Form and Interaction: A Case Study of the Development of a Food Processor Author(s): Han, Imkyung; Nam, Juhyun; Kim, Chajoong Abstract: As new electronic products are released annually, there is a growing trend among consumers to seek retro aesthetics. Therefore, it is necessary to explore methods for implementing emotions by incorporating traditional metaphors into new products. This study aims to explore the impact of past metaphorical designs in product form and interaction on user experience. To achieve this, we categorized product form and interaction into traditional and modern elements. Within the context of developing a next-generation food processor, we conducted an experiment using both real products and conceptual designs across four metaphor categories. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical methods, revealing that traditional metaphors are perceived as geometric, symmetrical, and somewhat impractical, whereas modern metaphors are seen as organic, less symmetrical, comfortable, and practical. Based on these findings, we propose a novel food processor that integrates traditional forms with modern interactions, which is also positively evaluated in terms of user experience. This study highlights the importance of leveraging traditional metaphors in product design and suggests the need for further exploration of their applicability across various product categories.