Cited by 22Augmented Reality ApplicationsAutism Spectrum Disorder ResearchVirtual Reality Applications and Impacts

Using Augmented Reality Toward Improving Social Skills: Scoping Review

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Mittmann, Gloria, Zehetner, Vanessa, Hoehl, Stefanie, Schrank, Beate, Barnard, Adam, Woodcock, Kate·2023·JMIR Serious Games

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Abstract

Background: Augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a promising technology in educational settings owing to its engaging nature. However, apart from applications aimed at the autism spectrum disorder population, the potential of AR in social-emotional learning has received less attention. Objective: This scoping review aims to map the range of AR applications that improve social skills and map the characteristics of such applications. Methods: In total, 2 independent researchers screened 2748 records derived from 3 databases in December 2021—PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Guide to Computing Literature. In addition, the reference lists of all the included records and existing reviews were screened. Records that had developed a prototype with the main outcome of improving social skills were included in the scoping review. Included records were narratively described for their content regarding AR and social skills, their target populations, and their outcomes. Evaluation studies were assessed for methodological quality. Results: A total of 17 records met the inclusion criteria for this study. Overall, 10 records describe applications for children with autism, primarily teaching about reading emotions in facial expressions; 7 records describe applications for a general population, targeting both children and adults, with a diverse range of outcome goals. The methodological quality of evaluation studies was found to be weak. Conclusions: Most applications are designed to be used alone, although AR is well suited to facilitating real-world interactions during a digital experience, including interactions with other people. Therefore, future AR applications could endorse social skills in a general population in more complex group settings.

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  • IMTs have proven effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, PTSD, autism spectrum disorders, and various phobias.

    “Moreover, IMTs have proven effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and various phobias [15-22].”

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  1. [65]International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems World Health Organization 2019 2023-09-11 https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/classification-of-diseases PMC13531092 42683092

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Authors
Mittmann, G., Zehetner, V., Hoehl, S., Schrank, B., Barnard, A., & Woodcock, K.
Affiliations
  • Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences (AT)
  • University of Vienna (AT)
  • Universitätsklinikum Tulln (AT)
  • University of Birmingham (GB)
Corresponding author
Woodcock, Kate
Venue
JMIR Serious Games
Published
2023-09-20
Volume
11
Pages
e42117
ISSN
2291-9279 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4385673318
Cited by
22
References
65
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 2
FWCI
0.57
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • JMIR Serious Games (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft
  • Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition › Augmented Reality Applications
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Human-Computer Interaction › Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts
Keywords
augmented reality, social skills, social-emotional learning, autism spectrum disorder, emotion recognition, facial expressions, AR applications, children, adults

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