Previously submitted to: JMIR Formative Research (no longer under consideration since Jul 24, 2025)
Date Submitted: Oct 4, 2023
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
An Investigation of an Alexa Voice Application (Kindspace) for Reducing Feelings of Worry in Adults: Feasibility, Acceptability and Preliminary Outcomes
ABSTRACT
Background:
Background:
The use of voice-based apps using smart speakers are being developed to support mental health and wellbeing. However, little research addresses their efficacy in reducing symptoms associated with mental health. Therefore, this study is a preliminary investigation of the changes in feelings of worry seen by people using Kindspace on a regular basis and their thoughts, feelings and attitudes towards using a voice application to improve their mental health.
Objective:
Objective:
This study aimed to determine the preliminary efficacy of using a voice-based application for Amazon Alexa in reducing symptoms of worry, as well as determine the feasibility and acceptability of the app amongst users.
Methods:
Methods:
We conducted a within-groups, mixed methods study design. Participants who owned an Amazon Alexa smart speaker were given access to the voice-based mindfulness app (Kindspace) for 6-weeks. A One-Way ANOVA was used to quantify the difference in symptoms of worry before, during and after the study period, while the feasibility, acceptability and usability of the voice-based app was assessed through descriptive statistics and a Focus Group session.
Results:
Results:
Of the 63 study participants, 32 (51%) actively participated in using Kindspace for 6-weeks. In total, 11 (17%) used Kindspace 18 times, while 32 (50%) used the app at least twelve times over the 6-week period. The daily Check-in and Tip of the Day were the most popular activities used within the app, while journaling became more popular overtime. Participants reported a very high usability which significantly improved from 3-weeks to 6-weeks using the System Usability Scale (mean difference -3.42 (95% CI, -5.61 to -1.23), p = 0.003). Using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire Past Week (PSWQ-PW), participants also reported significant reductions in symptoms of worry compared to baseline at week 3 (mean difference 4.45 (95% CI, 0.87 to 8.03), p < 0.05) and week 6 (mean difference 8.23 (95% CI, 4.25 to 12.20), P < 0.05). Lastly, qualitative feedback from participants supported the acceptability of Kindspace, as well as key areas for improvement.
Conclusions:
Conclusions:
Findings support the feasibility, usability and acceptability of Kindspace. Regular Kindspace usage is associated with a reduction in feelings of worry. Participants found the daily check-in, wellbeing tips and reflective exercises beneficial to their well-being. Overall, all participants found the voice application easy to use and would recommend it’s use to others, however, there were some issues with the audio quality, mishearing of commands and navigation of the menus.
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