Recent study with Brunel University shows promising signs for the devices
Mindfulness Skills Training for Children with Stix Remotes A feasibility and acceptability pilot study was conducted in collaboration with Brunel University London's Psychology researchers to determine the mental health benefits of Stix activities for children. Study Summary:
86% of children found Stix to be helpful with their mood, worries and anxieties
6 out of 7 children had a decrease in their anxiety and depression scores after using Stix
100% of children found Stix to be fun and engaging
The study involved eight children between the ages of 9-10, seven girls, and one boy. The four-week Stix mindfulness skills training program consisted of 12 different activities, which were split into weeks, with three activities to be completed daily. The children were interviewed about their experience with the Stix on a weekly basis and then on completion. The results suggested an improvement in psychological wellbeing, although more research needs to be done in the area with a larger sample size and control group.
What did the children think? Overall, the Stix were well received by all children. The interactive aspect of the Stix; the lights, audio and vibrations, were enjoyed by the children and they stated it made practicing mindfulness a lot more engaging. The mobile App also appealed to the children, especially winning stars and customising their monster. Children stated that their favourite activity during the training was Balance, with Ball of Light, Surfing, and Balloon Arms also receiving great reviews for the kids. Children described the mindfulness activities as "fun and relaxing," "nice and calming," and helpful during rough times, such as exams, and to reduce anger. All children who participated in the study would recommend Stix to a friend or family member.
Promising Results The children who participated in the study reported feeling motivated to complete each training session and experienced a boost in their mood. Specifically, 86% of the children stated that the training helped improve their mood, with the vast majority feeling "calm," "relaxed," and "happier and less stressed.” Additionally, the study found that the Stix Mindfulness Remotes resulted in a slight decrease in total depression and anxiety score for six out of seven children who provided data. The Stix Mindfulness Remotes also helped children develop coping skills to manage stressful situations. Many used breathing techniques learned through the training to calm themselves when upset or angry with friends and family members. This shows how the Stix activities can teach transferable skills to children for them to use in everyday situations, even without the devices on them.
What does this study mean and what comes next? The key findings from this study are:
Children enjoy using Stix - its engaging, fun and interactive
Signs that Stix improved mental wellbeing - improved mood, anxiety/depression scores.
Stix activities teach transferrable skills for everyday life- kids are using techniques learned during Stix activities in everyday life.
Overall, the Stix Remotes and the activities were well received by the children, and the results suggest an improvement in psychological wellbeing. However, due to the small sample size in this pilot study, a more detailed study, including a matched control group/training, is recommended before making any conclusions about how Stix technology helps children’s mental health and wellbeing.