Purrble Use Among LGBTQ+ Young People With Self-Harm Experiences: Findings From a Qualitative Process Evaluation of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

In 30 seconds

This qualitative process evaluation explored how LGBTQ+ young people with self-harm experiences used and perceived Purrble, a socially assistive robot evaluated in a related randomized controlled trial. After participating in that trial, 40 young people aged 16-25 years with current self-harm ideation completed semistructured online interviews. Thematic analysis identified four themes: using Purrble to ground themselves and manage distress, experiencing it as a comforting companion, the importance of its accessibility and proximity, and reasons for not engaging with it. Participants described perceived de-escalation of self-harm thoughts or behaviors; the study did not quantify an intervention effect.

Key findings

• Participants described using Purrble to ground themselves and manage distress, with perceived de-escalation of self-harm thoughts or behaviors.
• Some participants experienced Purrble as a companion or source of comfort that supported self-soothing and self-care.
• Perceived usefulness depended partly on Purrble being accessible and nearby during distress.
• Participants also described circumstances in which they chose not to use Purrble, indicating barriers and individual differences in engagement.

Why it matters

The interviews add context to trial outcomes by showing how a tangible, socially assistive device may fit into young people’s everyday coping, and why availability can matter during distress. They also highlight that engagement is not universal. These perspectives can inform evaluation of emotion-regulation supports without establishing that Purrble reduces self-harm or improves mental health.

What to keep in mind

This was a qualitative interview study of 40 trial participants, so findings describe reported experiences and do not quantify effectiveness or establish causal effects.