Health Behavioral Adoption Model for Depression Intervention Using Virtual Reality Technology

Authors

  • Natthamol Heebjankri Technology of Information System Management Division, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, NakhonPathom, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3156-0679
  • Anuchit Nirapai College of Biomedical Engineering, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
  • Adisorn Leelasantitham Technology of Information System Management Division, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, NakhonPathom, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13052/jmm1550-4646.2123

Keywords:

Health behavior, depression, health belief model, technology acceptance model, virtual reality

Abstract

Emotional disorders are a leading cause of suicide worldwide. Meanwhile, research has shown that Virtual Reality (VR) technology can serve as an effective intervention for emotional disorders. Therefore, this study aims to develop a health behavior model for depression intervention using VR technology. The model integrates the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and is based on data collected from 398 individuals diagnosed with depression in Suphan Buri Province, Thailand, through a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed that Perceived Usefulness (PU) had the strongest influence (β = 0.448, p < 0.001), followed by Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), Perceived Barriers (PBA), Modifying Factors (MF), Cues to Action (CA), and Perceived Benefits (PBE). This study contributes theoretically by proposing a novel integration of HBM and TAM, and practically by identifying the determinants of VR technology acceptance for depression intervention. This study’s contribution facilitates the identification of the inaugural application of Modifying Factors to forecast the acceptance of VR technology, which positively influences depression intervention, thereby promoting its utilization as a therapeutic tool and enhancing emotional experiences in the future.

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Author Biographies

Natthamol Heebjankri, Technology of Information System Management Division, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, NakhonPathom, Thailand

Natthamol Heebjankri earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Phranakhon Rajabhat University in 2005 and a master’s degree in computer and information technology from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Thailand, in 2008. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Technology and Data Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Thailand. In this role, she teaches courses in Data Analysis, Information Technology Management, and Data Science.

Anuchit Nirapai, College of Biomedical Engineering, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani, Thailand

Anuchit Nirapai received Bachelor of Science in Communication Engineering from Srinakharinwirot University, his Master of Science in Communication Engineering from King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, and his Doctor of Philosophy program in Information Technology Management from Mahidol University Thailand in 2008, 2015, and 2023, respectively. Presently, he holds a position as a lecturer in the College of Biomedical Engineering at Rangsit University. In this role, he instructs courses on software design, health information technology, information technology management, and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT).

Adisorn Leelasantitham, Technology of Information System Management Division, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, NakhonPathom, Thailand

Adisorn Leelasantitham received the B.Eng. degree in Electronics and Telecommunications and the M.Eng. degree in Electrical Engineering from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Thailand, in 1997 and 1999, respectively. He received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thammasat University, Thailand, in 2005. He is currently the Associate Professor in Technology of Information System Management Division, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Thailand. His research interests include applications of blockchain technology, conceptual models and frameworks for IT management, disruptive innovation, image processing, AI, neural networks, machine learning, IoT platforms, data analytics, chaos systems, and healthcare IT. He is a member of the IEEE.

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Published

2025-07-08

How to Cite

Heebjankri, N. ., Nirapai, A. ., & Leelasantitham, A. . (2025). Health Behavioral Adoption Model for Depression Intervention Using Virtual Reality Technology. Journal of Mobile Multimedia, 21(02), 245–274. https://doi.org/10.13052/jmm1550-4646.2123

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ECTI