wrist shocking device for behavior modification

[Harry3990]

Anyone heard of this product called Pavlok?

http://buy.pavlok.com/pages/how-it-works

Seems like they are still in the earlyish stages of development and are in the process of expanding the functionality to make more "bad habits" automatically detectable by pairing it with your smartphone. But as of now, you typically have to shock yourself manually, which I would guess would not work for many people who might just decide not to shock themselves when engaging in their undesired habit. It looks like the automatic shocks that are functional at the moment are an alarm clock feature (that vibrates and then will shock you shortly later if you don't turn it off or get up first) and a website blocking feature through a chrome extension.

Any thoughts on the effectiveness/utility of a device like this for simple behavior modification? I think once the automatic shocks become more fully functional it could be pretty powerful, but I'm a bit skeptical about having to manually shock yourself.

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[smalltownpsych]

Anyone heard of this product called Pavlok?

http://buy.pavlok.com/pages/how-it-works

Seems like they are still in the earlyish stages of development and are in the process of expanding the functionality to make more "bad habits" automatically detectable by pairing it with your smartphone. But as of now, you typically have to shock yourself manually, which I would guess would not work for many people who might just decide not to shock themselves when engaging in their undesired habit. It looks like the automatic shocks that are functional at the moment are an alarm clock feature (that vibrates and then will shock you shortly later if you don't turn it off or get up first) and a website blocking feature through a chrome extension.

Any thoughts on the effectiveness/utility of a device like this for simple behavior modification? I think once the automatic shocks become more fully functional it could be pretty powerful, but I'm a bit skeptical about having to manually shock yourself.

Aversive conditioning has been around for quite a while and has been demonstrated to be effective in the short-term for addictive behaviors, but not so much for longer term. I think that has something to do with humans mediating learning through cognition which is what gave rise to CBT. In other words, we think up ways to get around the aversive to meet the need. It also has to do with extinction curves and desensitization to the aversive stimulus. Nevertheless, cessation of the behavior is significant and I can see why for many people an aversive program could be an important step.

 

[Harry3990]

Aversive conditioning has been around for quite a while and has been demonstrated to be effective in the short-term for addictive behaviors, but not so much for longer term.

Sure, definitely. I like the idea of updating aversion techniques to involve some automation and use of modern technology.

Psychology and technology now and in the future is definitely an area of interest for me, so if anyone wants to take this thread in that direction (or start a new thread), I'm all for it. IMO, this is an area that we as a field really need to try harder to capitalize on and catch up with. There are of course confidentiality reasons why I think psychologists tend to prefer pencil/paper tools much of the time (probably also just habit), but at a certain point the ease of use and electronic programs and ubiquity of smartphones will definitely hurt us with regards to connecting with younger clients. I don't know about you guys, but I sometimes feel a bit out of date when using paper thought records, for instance (though I absolutely appreciate their clinical utility and effectiveness when practiced on a regular basis). Maybe this is just me.

Do any products come to mind for others? Are there apps or other devices that you use/suggest in treatment with clients?

 

[Danbo1957]

"Products" hmmm... Why don't you recommend hitting themselves in the head with a baseball bat? 🙄

 

[erg923]

"Products" hmmm... Why don't you recommend hitting themselves in the head with a baseball bat? 🙄

This worked well for me.

 

[smalltownpsych]

Sure, definitely. I like the idea of updating aversion techniques to involve some automation and use of modern technology.

Psychology and technology now and in the future is definitely an area of interest for me, so if anyone wants to take this thread in that direction (or start a new thread), I'm all for it. IMO, this is an area that we as a field really need to try harder to capitalize on and catch up with. There are of course confidentiality reasons why I think psychologists tend to prefer pencil/paper tools much of the time (probably also just habit), but at a certain point the ease of use and electronic programs and ubiquity of smartphones will definitely hurt us with regards to connecting with younger clients. I don't know about you guys, but I sometimes feel a bit out of date when using paper thought records, for instance (though I absolutely appreciate their clinical utility and effectiveness when practiced on a regular basis). Maybe this is just me.

Do any products come to mind for others? Are there apps or other devices that you use/suggest in treatment with clients?

I have a patient who downloaded a mood tracker app for their phone. Not sure how helpful it has been, but had better compliance than most patients with paper tracking.