A scoping review of eye-tracking metrics as an indicator of negative mental health-related outcomes and its possible applicability in remote work situations

Abstract

Objectives: This scoping review aims to examine the existing use of eye-tracking technologies being applied to measure negative mental health-related outcomes. The review was guided by the following questions: 1) What eye-tracking methods are currently in use?; and 2) What type of negative mental health-related outcomes are these methods being applied to for estimation? Results will be evaluated to determine their prospective implementation in remote work as a mental health indicator. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in order to collect data from a range of sources and evaluate many distinct research methodologies. A scoping review was chosen for this study to widely report on the research currently being conducted, rather than answer a specific question from a focused set of evidence. On May 26, 2022, a systematic search of the scientific literature was conducted to identify any eye-tracking methods that have been used to measure stress and anxiety. Results: Out of an initial 5,356 eligible articles, a total of 14 articles were included in this scoping review. Estimation outcomes also ranged from various mental health-related outcomes with the most common outcome relating to stress and fatigue. Other outcomes included sleepiness, drowsiness, arousal, frustration, hypervigilance, defensive state, peritraumatic dissociation, and anxiety. Conclusions: Preliminary results show a very promising connection between eye metrics and negative mental health-related outcomes, which are very relevant to workplace mental health as well.