Introducing a Smart Toy in Eating Disorder Treatment: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) often encounter challenges related to body image, emotional, and sensory difficulties during nutritional rehabilitation. To address these challenges, a novel technology-enabled smart toy, Purrble, designed for immediate assistance in emotion regulation, is being explored. A mixed-method approach involving workshops, diaries, and focus groups was employed to examine the feasibility of Purrble as a therapeutic tool and its impact on participants’ daily routines, sensory experiences, and emotional states. The study results demonstrate the engagement and acceptability of this device. Qualitative analysis revealed that participants independently used and integrated Purrble into their emotional and sensory regulation practices. These pilot results support the potential for a shift in the delivery of adjunct therapeutic tools through technology, particularly for ED patients with complex presentations. Future research is necessary to further explore the psychological benefits of this intervention.

Body Image, Nutrition, and Mental Health

“…The therapeutic use of the novel technology-enabled smart toy Purrble, which is designed for emotional regulation, was explored in a mixed-method analysis by Chubinidze et al [ 15 ]. They found that it might be helpful particularly for patients with EDs and complex presentations.…”

“…The GDF-15 receptor GFRAL, which is known to be involved in appetite regulation, was found to be expressed across various central-nervous as well as peripheral tissues [ 12 ], and visfatin, S100B, and leptin are associated with the development of metabolic syndrome in people with bipolar depression [ 13 ]. Four articles of this Special Issue [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ] summarized already available (e.g., nutritional interventions, psychological and family therapy) [ 14 ] and experimental (smart toy Purrble) [ 15 ] therapies for AN, effective therapies for the treatment of obesity (e.g., physical activity, dietary and nutritional intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical and self-monitoring) [ 16 ], as well as the preventive and therapeutic options for oral health consequences of EDs [ 17 ]. Witaszek et al’s finding that liraglutide and semaglutide were associated with increased cognitive restraint [ 8 ] is also therapeutically relevant as these GLP-1 receptor agonists are approved for the treatment of obesity.…”

“…By using novel technical solutions such as VR [ 9 ] or a smart toy [ 15 ] as add-ons, therapists might enhance the success of their therapies in the future.…”