the use of technology in psychology

1. Essay: The use of technology in Psychology 1
Workshop number eight
Essay: The use of technology in Psychology
Ricardo Paulo Javier Arieu
Universidad Del Este
May 05, 2015
Professor: Lorraine M. Carmona Torres
ENG 116

2. Essay: The use of technology in Psychology 2
Essay: The use of technology in Psychology
The use of new technologies has experienced a significant increase in recent years. As in
other professions, these tools have been placed at the service of psychology, too; both through the
use of Internet, computers, and using new instruments to facilitate evaluation and intervention. The
purpose of this essay is research about the use and application of information technologies in the
field of psychology.
Psychology is the science that studies the mental processes. Is the scientific study of
behavior and experience, that is, as humans feel, think, learn and know to adapt to their
environment (Cepre.uni.edu.pe, 2011). It is the study of the human psyche through technical and
scientific research.
Which are the information technologies? There are many definitions of ICT:
"Overall we can say that the new technologies of information and communication are those
that revolve around three basic means: computing, microelectronics and
telecommunications; but they turn not only in isolation, but what is more significant and
interconnected interactively, allowing get new communication realities "(Cabero, Page 198).
In partnership with ICT (Information and Communication), computers, microelectronics and
telecommunications, psychology can be very useful for dispensing and improve the application of
therapeutic services, effectively allowing further enhance the power and reach all patients who need
it. Understand better what the main technological tools (ICT) are being used in psychology, it will
help the student of this career. Examples of therapies are virtual reality, computer use and use of
devices that integrate Persuasive Computing and Computer Ubicua. Also we will discuss about
some experience gained by health professionals in countries of the Dominican Republic and Spain.
Using the Virtual reality:
The idea of virtual reality faces two concepts that are opposed or at least contradiction.
Through some hardware and software, a simulation of reality is generated (Definición.de, 2015).

3. Essay: The use of technology in Psychology 3
Through the use of this technology, the person feels that is interacting with real elements,
although they are not in the physical sense. Virtual reality can improve the technique of exposure,
making it less repugnant to patients. A very useful psychological treatments variant, augmented
reality, a technique that involves the entry of virtual elements in the real world. (Psychologists, 10-
11-2013). This technique is something that appears to be real. You can help the patient in his
struggle with fears or addictions, for example. By simulating the experience in a more vivid way,
the patient can repeat the process over and over exposure, graduating situations according to patient
needs, without waiting for them to happen in real life, and not leave the office. In this way, better
promote the ethical aspects of the privacy of the person to be protected.
Using the Computer:
Through the use and application of treatments that are applied with the aid of a computer, a
lot of research supports its effectiveness are already available. For example (Psychologists, 10-11-
2013):
a) In the United Kingdom, there are Fear Fighter or Beating the Blues, Marks groups and proud foot
programs. They are within the guideline recommendations of the National Institute for Health and
Excellence (NICE).
b) In Australia, the group of Andrews and Titov have developed self-applied for anxiety (The
Anxiety Program), panic (The Panic Program), social phobia (The Shyness Program), generalized
anxiety disorder (GAD The Program), programs anxious concern (The Worry Program), post-
traumatic stress (PTSD The Program) and depression (The Sadness Program).
Using Persuasive Computing Devices that integrate and Ubiquitous Computing:
a) Persuasive Computing: relates to computer systems, devices or applications, intentionally
designed to change certain behaviors, mainly following three guidelines:
Just in time (messages available right at the moment they have to make a decision).
Simulation experiences (simulations that allow live useful experiences in decision-making).
Personalization (personalized information).

4. Essay: The use of technology in Psychology 4
b) Ubiquitous computing: it is access - flexible and free - wireless information (anywhere, anytime).
This trend will lead to the merger of the computer with everyday objects of our daily life. Clear
examples are mobile phones "smart" (smart phones) with Internet connection and Bluetooth.
Using the Internet:
Computerized treatments are usually combined with treatments of online (Internet)
technology that is proving useful in the promotion, prevention and intervention in the field of
mental health. But what are the advantages and disadvantages?
Benefits:
• Flexibility (geographical and time).
• Prevents the movement of the patient.
• It facilitates assistance to patients who have difficulty attending or anonymous patient
consultation.
• Favors increased frequency of therapeutic touch if needed.
• Cost reduction.
• Access to a greater number of people.
Limitations:
• Issues of security and confidentiality
• Difficulty in establishing a therapeutic relationship (especially when communication is only
verbal or asynchronous only).
High dropout rates:
Need for studies to analyze the causes and generate adequate to overcome this limitation
strategies. The technologies used include, virtual reality, augmented reality, the Internet or mobile
devices. There is a wide variety of applications and can find an exhaustive list, for example, in the
web portal Beacon. Beacon is an online application portal for mental and physical disorders. A
panel of health experts categorize, review and rate websites and mobile applications. These cards

5. Essay: The use of technology in Psychology 5
are supplied with the site link and access information. Reviews of Internet support groups are also
included. Categories of physical disorders through this website are diagnosed: Alcohol, asthma,
attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline
personality disorder, cardiovascular disease, caregivers, Depression , Diabetes, Eating distress
(body image, anorexia, bulimia), encopresis and enuresis, epilepsy, Gambling, generalized anxiety
disorder, infertility, nutrition, obsessive compulsive disorder, pain, panic disorder, phobias, physical
activity, physical health, positive psychology, PTSD, psychosis, relationship problems, resilience,
self-injurious behavior, sleep / insomnia, smoking, social anxiety, stress, stuttering, substance abuse,
suicidal ideation, injury traumatic brain weight and obesity. The Beacon Web service is part of the
suite and-center self-help programs, developed and delivered by the National Institute of Mental
Health Research at the National University of Australia. (Beacon.anu.edu.au, 2015). The important
thing about this site is that it includes reviews, expert reviews and user comments, all these services
are offered online, where users provides a comprehensive directory of e-health applications (web
sites, applications mobile and Internet support groups). Thus showing the ability of technology to
provide support and therapeutic help mental health patients.
Experience in Spain:
The implementation of this reality in the profession in countries like Spain, is relatively new.
The use of ICT in psychology began its first steps in a firm some years ago through the assessment
and intervention. The Pc, laptop, Smartphone and Tablet Computer in widespread use within the
psychologists to their personal life and leisure time. And its full implementation in the professional
field within psychology is merely a matter of time. Today some psychologists are engaged in
technological innovation and others use in a computerized test time, they are integrated into a
network of tele-health or treat phobias with virtual reality (Psychologists, 10-11-2013). For
example, many professionals in the mental health use software to automate patient data sheet. But
there are treatments by PC to try to change the behaviors of patients.
Experience in Dominican Republic:

6. Essay: The use of technology in Psychology 6
Mr. Teodoro Escaño, Degree in Psychology, developed a software in Dominican Republic,
who has a device that works on the subconscious during the dream of the person, and can transform
wandering thoughts into positive thoughts. It is a mechanism to be used, by those who have
committed crimes and are housed in prison and for couples with marital problems, students with
difficulties of assimilation, for those who need medical therapy or who have acquired some kind of
addiction (Diariolibre.com, 03-28-2007). In the Fupsión Park, Dominican Republic, there are many
lives that are transformed. Youth at risk in The Dominican Republic, living an experience for 40
days in the park with the purpose to change, using the Software Fupsion Dual Player and Fupsión
Therapy and Behavioral Modification model (www.fupsion.org., w/d).
The most positive aspect of the invention of Mr. Teodoro Escaño, is that it can be used to
correct behaviors and prevent it. This software is fully programmed with technology. It is a usable
tool for anyone interested in correcting a bad habit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, through this trial, it is possible to realize as the use of new technologies in
psychology, has experienced significant growth in recent years. But we must recognize that despite
all these psychological treatments have come a long way, the reality is that even still not reach all
those in need. The ethical obligation of psychologists is trying to offer assistance and the use of
effective treatments, in the best way possible, as many patients in need. However, the model of
health care in developed countries are not meeting expectations and there aren't adequately cover
the needs of the sick, yet. It was possible to understand what are the main technological tools being
used in Psychology: virtual reality, computer use, the internet and the use of devices that integrate
Persuasive Computing and Ubiquitous Computing. Also, the importance is the experience gained by
health professionals like Mr. Teodoro Escaño in Dominican Republic with his invention called
Fupsion.
Technologies could help with the treatment to the patient, but further progress is needed in
scientific research and technological advancement. The decline in the costs of using these

7. Essay: The use of technology in Psychology 7
technologies, with their potential for psychological treatments, anticipates an increasingly likely
future developments in the field of psychotherapeutic treatments disorders.

8. Essay: The use of technology in Psychology 8
Bibliographical References
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Recovered from https: //beacon.anu.edu.au./
Cabero, J. Impact of new information and communications technology in the
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Organization and management of educational institutions and non-formal formal. (1998).
Granada: Grupo Editorial Universitario.
Cepre.uni.edu.pe. National Engineering University of Peru. Center college.
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%20PSICOLOGiA.pdf?temav=asp
Definition Of. 'Definition Virtual Reality - Definicion.De'. (2015) .Recovered of
http://definicion.de/realidad-virtual/
Diariolibre.com. 'A Software Change Behaviors With Dreams'. (03-28-2007) .Recovered of
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con-los-sueos.html
Psychologists Council. 'New technologies applied to psychology. Interview with Rodolfo
Ramos'. Infocop.es. (10-11-2013). Recovered of http://www.infocop.es/view_article.asp?
id=4775
Www.fupsion.org. The revolution has begun! Wix.Com '. (W /D) .Recovered of
http://regist16.wix.com/fupsion2