Embarrassment |
Feeling of discomfort, self‐consciousness or shame related to seeking mental health treatment. |
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Avoid embarrassment/discomfort |
Participant feels embarrassed about sexual/psychological therapy or indicates being embarrassed as a barrier to receive treatment. |
‘I feel maybe that (metaverse‐based therapy) would help […] It/would be easier if I don't have to go to the clinic, I feel safer at home’ (L., female, 26 years old).
‘[…] this is something (sexual therapy) I won't do. I feel so embarrassed of thinking about it’ (J., male, 45 years old).
‘Oh no, please! How would I say that [sexual difficulties] to my doctor? Can you imagine, a woman my age!?’ (M. C., female, 66 years old).
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Facilitator |
Accessibility |
Ease with which individuals can obtain and utilize mental health services. |
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Access to population with specific characteristics |
Participant mentions that persons with diverse physical and/or mental functionality could benefit from an online intervention. |
‘Even for adolescents that maybe have it more difficult to treat sexual matters as they live with their parents and asking for that kind of treatment maybe [the adolescents] wouldn't be comfortable sharing with [their parents]’ (F., male, 23 years old).
‘I'm lucky because I can walk, and drive around, and travel, and take the subway … but I imagine not everyone has my capacities […] maybe for them it is a very good option’ (M., female, 52 years old).
‘[…] also, for disabled people, I think they would benefit’ (M., female, 73 years old).
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Facilitator |
Access to population living in rural areas |
Participant mentions that persons who live in remote and/or rural areas could benefit from an online intervention. |
‘Psychological issues are frowned on […] this seems like a game, and I think it will help in this way’ (J. C., male, 31 years old).
‘In the countryside people are narrow‐minded, I lived there for half my life, and I wouldn't have dared go to a clinic’ (M., female, 52 years old).
‘If I'd had access to this when I was young and living in the village, it would've been a different story’ (E., female, 78 years old).
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Facilitator |
Time schedule and family/work conciliation |
Participant indicates that a metaverse‐based therapy helps balance different obligations or duties. |
‘I don't have time for therapy […] this (treatment) saves time’ (R., female, 26 years old).
‘It isn't only the hour you spend there, [it] is going and coming back […] traffic is horrible and taking the metro is even a worse option’ (J., male, 45 years old).
‘With kids under three, therapy seems impossible, but if I can do it from home maybe they can watch TV while I'm there’ (M., male, 40 years old).
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Facilitator |
Utility |
The ability to produce positive outcomes and alleviate mental health symptoms or distress. |
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An effective treatment for sexual disorders |
Participant views the treatment as a good option for sexual and/or mental disorders. |
‘[…] this (treatment) is way better than traditional ones’ (J. A., male, 18 years old).
‘I don't know how this sexual therapy works, but I think it (metaverse‐based treatment) sounds interesting for practicing’ (U., female, 56 years old).
‘I imagine the therapist could be with you while you learn […] this would help me, like I'm not alone’ (E., female, 78 years old).
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Particular treatment advantages derived from platform use |
Participant indicates advantages derived from using the platform (e.g., entertaining, pleasant or handy). |
‘[…] sounds entertaining’ (R., female, 26 years old).
‘It's the opposite of boring’ (C., male, 29 years old).
‘It's really accessible, you can always use it’ (E., male, 25 years old).
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A useful therapeutic tool |
Participant views the treatment as an effective therapeutic tool, used for some specific tasks in conjunction with traditional treatment. |
‘[…] I don't know, maybe as part of the treatment, combined with some sessions or other techniques, I think it'd be wonderful’ (J. C., male, 31 years old).
‘Why not? For sure if my therapist proposes using it, I'll say yes’ (J., male, 45 years old).
‘I'd like the combination of this and traditional therapy’ (M. C., female, 66 years old).
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Reservations |
Obstacles or concerns when considering seeking metaverse‐based healthcare. |
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Less personal |
Participant expresses a fear of metaverse therapy being less personal. |
‘I don't know if information will be lost, like all the body language part’ (A., male, 31 years old).
‘I'm not sure if this kind of online therapy [metaverse therapy] is like traditional therapy […] I think [it] is less personal’ (N., female, 49 years old).
‘I understand the benefits, but I'd prefer something more personal like in‐person treatments’ (M., female, 73 years old).
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Barrier |
Only for young people |
Participant indicates age‐related issues. |
‘This is great for future generations. My granddaughter was born with a telephone in her hands. I'm sure she'll love this’ (F. J., male, 73 years old).
‘I don't know if I will be comfortable with all the things you have to learn. Maybe [it] is too much’ (U., female, 54 years old).
‘If I must pay attention to what my avatar is doing along with what I'm saying, maybe I'll get lost. I need to try it, but that's what I think’ (E., female, 60 years old).
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Barrier |