Analysis of using tactile prompt technology to increase mindfulness
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analysis of using tactile prompt technology in adults with autism to increase mindful checking
IRAS ID
242582
Contact name
J Carl Hughes
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 1 months, 21 days
Research summary
A high rate of individuals on the autism spectrum display poor emotional control, thus are more vulnerable to depression, stress and anxiety. Approximately 10 to 20% of those individuals engage in behaviours of concern that affects their quality of life e.g., physical aggression and self-injury.
Administration of PRN (pro re nata) medication, physical intervention, and psychosocial/ psychological programmes are the most commonly used treatments in forensic settings to treat aggression. To reduce the use of these restrictive techniques, there is a need to develop proactive strategies and to support people to live positive and fulfilling lives.
Cognitive based therapies have shown to improve emotional states and how to deal with these intense emotions by using relaxation techniques such as mindfulness. Research suggests that mindfulness based interventions can help to reduce feelings of anger and intense emotions.
This research is interested in analysing data that will be collected as part of a clinical intervention to demonstrate whether behaviours of concern can be prevented or minimised in intensity, by using tactile prompt technology (a Gymboss), to help remind the individuals to use mindfulness techniques. This would add value to current research as it acts as a stepping stone as to whether the use of a tactile prompt can a) aid mindful checking within the ASD population b) decrease aggression and c) decrease the use of restrictive interventions such as medication and physical restraint.
The practice of mindfulness paired with the tactile prompt will be introduced to five participants with a diagnosis of ASD, living in a secure rehabilitation hospital setting. A multiple baseline across participants design will be used across 6 weeks, and frequency measures of behavioural incidences will be compared at pre- and post-intervention.
Other measures of quality of life, anxiety, and aspects of emotional dysregulation will also be assessed.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
18/WA/0232
Date of REC Opinion
30 Aug 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion