Stimulating a future-oriented mindset and goal attainment through a smartphone-based intervention: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Mertens, Esther C. A.; Schalk, Job van der; Siezenga, Aniek M.; Gelder, Jean‐Louis van

doi:10.1016/j.invent.2022.100509

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…The findings of the present study should be interpreted in light of several strengths and limitations. First, prior to conducting this pilot RCT, the app had been thoroughly user-tested and iterated on the basis of informal small-scale pilot studies (see Mertens et al, 2022 ). Other strengths are the relatively large sample size and multiple measurement points allowing us to evaluate the intervention effects in detail.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Novel Smartphone-Based Intervention Aimed at Increasing Future Orientation via the Future Self: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Prototype Application

Mertens,

Siezenga,

van der Schalk

et al. 2023

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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 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.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Data was collected from October 2021 to June 2022. This trial was approved by the Ethics Board of the Institute of Education and Child Studies at Leiden University (ECWP2021-320) and registered in the Netherlands Trial Register number NL9671 (see Mertens et al, 2022 for the study protocol).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Novel Smartphone-Based Intervention Aimed at Increasing Future Orientation via the Future Self: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Prototype Application

Mertens,

Siezenga,

van der Schalk

et al. 2023

Prev Sci

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“…First, if people consider the app or VR as unappealing, they may stop using it or feel less engaged [ 23 ]. In order to make the app and VR environment attractive and engaging we conducted extensive user-tests, using questionnaires as well as qualitative interviews, and a large-scaled pilot RCT examining an earlier version of the FutureU app intervention [ 31 ] in which we collected data regarding user experiences, app use, and intervention effects. Earlier versions of the virtual environment have been used in prior research as well [ 10 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A future orientation intervention delivered through a smartphone application and virtual reality: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

et al. 2022

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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 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.

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“…FutureU also includes a smartphone application in which participants can interact with their future-self on a daily basis. An RCT to study the effectiveness of the FutureU smartphone application is currently underway (Mertens et al, 2022). Another RCT that will involve both VR and the smartphone application is planned for 2022.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What Works in the Digital Age? VR and Smartphone Applications for Forensic Psychology

Siezenga¹,

Gelder²,

Schalk³

2022

Challenging Bias in Forensic Psychological Assessment and Testing

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Forensic psychology lies at the intersection of criminal justice and mental health care (Vollm et al., 2018). Its main goal is to reduce the chance of recidivism and address treatment targets in relation to offence-related factors and psychiatric disorders (Kip et al., 2018;Vollm et al., 2018). The forensic population is characterised by various risk factors for recidivism, such as high psychiatric comorbidity (Fazel & Danesh, 2002;Van der Veeken et al., 2018), relatively low treatment motivation (Drieschner & Boomsma, 2008;Kip et al., 2019b) and low cognitive abilities (Kip et al., 2019b). The combination of these risk factors makes the forensic population both hard to reach and difficult to treat, which is reflected in high reoffending rates (Bengtson et al., 2019). As risk factors are diverse, the use of individualised therapy is essential for treatment efficacy (Bonta & Andrews, 2007). Implementing technology in treatment can support individualised therapy (Kip et al., 2019b). Furthermore, when applied in the right way, technology could reduce bias and increase inclusivity. Therefore, technologies could enhance the forensic field in the main elements of care: risk assessment, offender rehabilitation, and reintegration (Bonta & Andrews, 2007;Vollm et al., 2018). Two forms of eHealth with the potential for application with a forensic population include Virtual Reality (VR) and applications for mobile devices ("smartphone apps"). Both are discussed in this chapter.VR has several features that can make it a valuable addition to the forensic psychology toolkit. In this chapter, we focus on immersive VR (also referred to as IVR) which is generally experienced through a head-mounted display (HMD) (Fox et al., 2009). For research and assessment purposes VR provides advantages over current methods. Among others, VR enables objective data gathering and standardised treatment, resulting in less biased and more individualised assessment. Consider roleplay exercises, which generally take place with real actors. Confederates or trained actors' verbal and non-verbal behaviour may cause unintentional variation in the treatment and they may vary in terms of

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Stimulating a future-oriented mindset and goal attainment through a smartphone-based intervention: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Cited by 5 publications

References 41 publications

A Novel Smartphone-Based Intervention Aimed at Increasing Future Orientation via the Future Self: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Prototype Application

A Novel Smartphone-Based Intervention Aimed at Increasing Future Orientation via the Future Self: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Prototype Application

A future orientation intervention delivered through a smartphone application and virtual reality: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

What Works in the Digital Age? VR and Smartphone Applications for Forensic Psychology

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