Objective: Given that cognitive control deficits following remission from depression form a risk factor for recurrence, new interventions aimed at improving cognitive control such as cognitive control training, are being developed. Previous studies suggest that motivation and engagement can influence effectiveness of cognitive training. As such, we developed a gamified cognitive control training procedure. Before validating this tool in a clinical sample, a convenience sample was used to ensure that gamification did not add any unwanted side effects to the cognitive training procedure. Materials and methods: This study was preregistered on the Open Science Framework (osf.io/5yacs). Following a baseline assessment, participants were assigned to one of four training conditions, manipulating training task (cognitive control vs. active control) and gamification level (low vs. high). Having performed ten sessions, participants were invited for a post-training assessment. Impact of gamification on cognitive transfer, motivation, and emotional transfer was investigated.Results: Our results suggest task-specific near cognitive transfer. In line with our hypotheses, gamification level did not affect cognitive transfer while beneficially impacting motivation.Moreover, beneficial effects of gamified cognitive control training were found for selfreported anxiety levels, in absence of effects on the other clinical outcomes.Conclusion: This study showed that the newly developed gamified cognitive control training procedure yields similar effects as non-gamified cognitive control training. However, the advantage of this newly developed version is that it is more user-friendly, easy-to-use, online, and that its settings maximize user motivation and engagement, potentially enabling a more effective training.

BackgroundThe high incidence and relapse rates of major depressive disorder demand novel treatment options. Standard treatments (psychotherapy, medication) usually do not target cognitive control impairments, although these seem to play a crucial role in achieving stable remission. The urgent need for treatment combined with poor availability of adequate psychological interventions has instigated a shift toward internet interventions. Numerous computerized programs have been developed that can be presented online and offline. However, their uptake and adherence are oftentimes low.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to perform a user requirements analysis for an internet-based training targeting cognitive control. This training focuses on ameliorating cognitive control impairments, as these are still present during remission and can be a risk factor for relapse. To facilitate uptake of and adherence to this intervention, a qualitative user requirements analysis was conducted to map mandatory and desirable requirements.MethodsWe conducted a user requirements analysis through a focus group with 5 remitted depressed individuals and individual interviews with 6 mental health care professionals. All qualitative data were transcribed and examined using a thematic analytic approach.ResultsResults showed mandatory requirements for the remitted sample in terms of training configuration, technological and personal factors, and desirable requirements regarding knowledge and enjoyment. Furthermore, knowledge and therapeutic benefits were key requirements for therapists.ConclusionsThe identified requirements provide useful information to be integrated in interventions targeting cognitive control in depression.

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