Background Engagement with smartphone‑based interventions stimulates adherence and improves the likelihood of gaining benefits from intervention content. Research often relies on system usage data... Show moreBackground Engagement with smartphone‑based interventions stimulates adherence and improves the likelihood of gaining benefits from intervention content. Research often relies on system usage data to capture engagement. However, to what extent usage data reflect engagement is still an open empirical question. We studied how usage data relate to engagement, and how both relate to intervention outcomes. Methods We drew data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (N = 86) evaluating a smartphone‑based intervention that aims to stimulate future self‑identification (i.e., future self vividness, valence, relatedness). General app engagement and feature‑specific engagement were retrospectively measured. Usage data (i.e., duration, number of logins, number of days used, exposure to intervention content) were unobtrusively registered. Results Engagement and usage data were not correlated. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that general app engagement predicted future self vividness (p = .042) and relatedness (p = .004). Furthermore, engagement with several specific features also predicted aspects of future self‑identification (p = .005 – .032). For usage data, the number of logins predicted future self vividness (p = .042) and exposure to intervention content predicted future self valence (p = .002). Conclusions Usage data did not reflect engagement and the latter was the better predictor of intervention outcomes. Thus, the relation between usage data and engagement is likely to be intervention‑specific and the unqualified use of the former as an indicator of the latter may result in measurement error. We provide recommendations on how to capture engagement and app use in more valid ways. Show less
Mertens, E.C.A.; Siezenga, A.M.; Schalk, J. van der; Gelder, J.L. van 2023
We developed and tested a smartphone-based intervention, FutureU, that aims to stimulate future-oriented thinking and behavior by strengthening the degree to which people identify with their future... Show moreWe developed and tested a smartphone-based intervention, FutureU, that aims to stimulate future-oriented thinking and behavior by strengthening the degree to which people identify with their future self. In order to examine the potential of this intervention prototype and opportunities for further optimization, we evaluated 1) the immediate and long-term efficacy of the intervention, and 2) intervention effects after each of three intervention modules. To this end, we conducted a randomized controlled pilot study among first-year university students (N = 176). Results showed a decrease in goal commitment immediately after the intervention. At 3-months follow-up, trends showed an increase in future orientation and in self-efficacy. During the intervention, there was a positive effect on vividness of the future self after the first module. Although there is scope for improvement, the findings highlight the potential of the intervention to increase people’s future-oriented thinking and behavior. Show less
Mertens, E.C.A.; Siezenga, A.M.; Tettero, T.; Gelder, J.L. van 2022
Background: Short-term mindsets are associated with self-defeating behaviors, such as delinquency and alcohol use. In contrast, people who consider the longer-term consequences of their decisions... Show moreBackground: Short-term mindsets are associated with self-defeating behaviors, such as delinquency and alcohol use. In contrast, people who consider the longer-term consequences of their decisions tend to report positive outcomes, like feeling more competent and enhanced goal achievement. We evaluate an intervention, FutureU, that aims to stimulate future-oriented thinking, increase goal achievement, and reduce self-defeating behavior, by strengthening people’s identification with their future self. The intervention will be delivered through a smartphone application (app) or immersive Virtual Reality (VR). We test the effectiveness of FutureU for both delivery methods, examine working mechanisms, and identify potential moderators of intervention effects. Methods: In this Randomized Controlled Trial, a total of 240 first-year university students (n=80 per condition) will be randomized into one of three conditions: (1) a smartphone condition, (2) a VR condition, and (3) an active control condition. We will assess proximal (i.e., future self-identification) and distal intervention outcomes (e.g., future orientation, self-defeating behaviors, goal achievement), user engagement, and examine usage data and goal content. Assessments will take place at baseline, during the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and at 3- and 6-months follow-up. Discussion: This study will provide information on the effectiveness of the intervention and allows for comparisons between delivery methods using novel technologies, a smartphone app versus immersive VR. Knowledge gained through this study can be used for further intervention development as well as theory building. Trial registration: This trial is registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05578755) on 13 October 2022. Show less
Siezenga, A.M.; Gelder, J.-L. van; Schalk, J. van der 2022
Over the past decade innovative technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and smartphone applications (apps) have demonstrated their potential for increasing well-being in various fields, such as ... Show moreOver the past decade innovative technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and smartphone applications (apps) have demonstrated their potential for increasing well-being in various fields, such as (mental) health care and education. Although still in its infancy, the application of such technologies for treatment purposes in the forensic context and criminal justice practice is nascent. This chapter reviews the literature and describes the state of the art of VR and apps in the forensic domain to explore the shared and unique possibilities for risk assessment, offender rehabilitation, and reintegration. In total, 18 VR applications and 18 smartphone apps were located in scientific databases and through web search. Aside from a review, we present a prospective vision of the unique treatment potential of VR and apps, as well as their complementary use. We conclude with limitations and ethical considerations. Show less
Mertens, E.C.A.; Schalk, J. van der; Siezenga, A.M.; Gelder, J.L. van 2022
Background: Short-term mindsets interfere with the consideration of future consequences and therefore predict negative behaviors. We developed a smartphone-based intervention aiming to increase a... Show moreBackground: Short-term mindsets interfere with the consideration of future consequences and therefore predict negative behaviors. We developed a smartphone-based intervention aiming to increase a future-oriented mindset and personal goal attainment by strengthening future self-identification and stimulating episodic future thinking. The aims of the study are 1) to examine users' experiences with the application and their treatment adherence, 2) to examine the effectiveness of the intervention, and 3) to explore which intervention modules generate the strongest changes in key outcomes. Methods: First-year university students (N = 166) will be randomly assigned to two conditions: 1) the smartphone-based intervention, or 2) a goal-setting control group. The intervention consists of three week-long modules. Data will be collected at the start of the intervention, at weekly intervals during the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and at 3-month follow-up (and at parallel time points for the control group). We will assess users' experiences, application usage data, primary intervention outcomes (e.g., self-defeating behavior, future orientation, future self-identification), and secondary intervention outcomes (e.g., psychosocial wellbeing, self-efficacy). Discussion: The study will provide information about users' experiences with the application, the intervention's general effectiveness, and which intervention modules show most promise. This information will be used to further develop the application and optimize this novel intervention. Trial registration: The trial is registered in the Netherlands Trial Register (number: NL9671) on 16 August 2021. Show less
