Gamified Cognitive Control Training for Remitted Depressed Individuals: User Requirements Analysis

Abstract

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.

Cognitive Control Training as an Augmentation Strategy to CBT in the Treatment of Fear of Failure in Undergraduates

“…Currently, the literature on CCT as treatment augmentation, especially in anxious samples, is limited (Course-Choi et al, 2017). On top of the promising findings in the context of depression (Koster et al, 2017), CCT also holds potential from an implementation point-of-view, as it could be incorporated into existing programs through a dedicated online platform, that has been developed taking into account the needs of patients and clinicians (Vervaeke et al, 2018). However, our results suggest that the contribution of CCT over ACT in an anxious sample is limited when combined with a fear of failure training.…”

Transfer and Motivation After Cognitive Control Training for Remitted Depression in Healthy Sample

“…Upon completion of the full training procedure (10 sessions), all grid cells were unlocked. Input regarding gamification was collected in a previous stage taking into account the needs and concerns of the users (for a thorough discussion, we refer to Vervaeke et al 2018).…”

“…The aim of the current study is to examine the impact of gamification on user experience, cognitive transfer, and emotional transfer following adaptive PASAT training. A cognitive control training platform was developed based on a focus group with remitted depressed patients (Vervaeke et al 2018). Before testing this platform using a clinical sample, it is undergoing several development steps, to test essential features for usability in interventional research, following an experimental medicine approach (Riddle and Science of Behaviour Change Working Group 2015).…”

Individual differences associated with treatment adherence and transfer effects following gamified web-based cognitive control training for repetitive negative thinking

“…Although multiple efforts have been made to prevent drop-out from online administered cognitive training procedures (e.g., using psychoeducation and gamification techniques, based on focus groups with end users; Vervaeke et al, 2018 , Vervaeke et al, 2020 ), relatively few studies have examined predictors of adherence to online CCT interventions targeting RNT or mood- and anxiety symptoms. Using a fully app-based eHealth intervention, Arean et al (2016) found higher baseline depressive- and anxiety symptoms to be associated with less use of online CCT in a sample with mild to moderate depressive symptomatology.…”