To choose or not to choose? A study on decision-making for virtual reality intervention in children with ADHD

Abstract Digital health interventions (DHI) using virtual reality (VR) technologies have been developed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While previous studies have mainly evaluated the feasibility of VR as an ADHD intervention, there is a dearth of research examining the decision-making psychology and influencing factors among parents of ADHD patients regarding the adoption of such emerging VR intervention techniques, which carry inherent risks. Building on the principles of Prospect Theory, this study highlights preference structures, belief characteristics, and community participation. The study selected 23 explanatory variables, including parents’ comprehension of VR treatment, level of trust, information sources, time and financial costs. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data on the willingness of parents of ADHD children to opt for VR treatment. By constructing a binary logistic regression model, we examine the preference structure, belief characteristics and decision readiness of parents of children with ADHD when choosing a virtual reality intervention policy. Parents’ choices of VR interventions for their children are complex. While parents consider the therapeutic benefits of VR, the time investment required for children’s treatment, and knowledge on VR interventions from online communities, their decisions are not always made objectively like an agent would. Instead, they frequently make choices based on a willingness to take risks, placing greater emphasis on relative rather than absolute values. Their decision-making is often swayed by online community information, resulting in choices that may not optimize benefits and sometimes disregarding financial and time costs related to their children’s health. Overall, parents of children with ADHD have demonstrated acceptance of the innovative VR intervention technique. Through examining the factors that impact preference selection, the implementation and promotion of VR intervention in ADHD treatments can be facilitated, thereby advancing the development of Digital Health Interventions (DHI). This can provide valuable insights for developing effective ADHD intervention strategies.