Trust in Automation Among Volunteers Participating in a Virtual World Telehealth Mindfulness Meditation Training Program

Trust is important in group interactions; however, little is known about trust in wellness-related telehealth training. This study examined self-reported trust in U.S. military active duty and veterans (n = 45) who participated in an 8-week mindfulness course offered in the Virtual World (VW) of Second Life. Participants completed a VW Trust Questionnaire (VWT, measuring relational trust such as communication, confidentiality, and self-representation) and a Trust in Automation Questionnaire (TIA, measuring confidence in system and perceived system security, integrity, dependability, and reliability) post training. Participants reported moderately high levels of TIA and high relational trust (VWT). Higher class attendance was associated with being comfortable speaking in the VW and belief in confidentiality (relational trust). Higher attendance was also associated with higher TIA. These results demonstrate that individuals are more likely to participate in virtual world telehealth interventions, and complete more of their training, when their trust is high.