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The Relationship Between Persuasive System Design, Personality, and Engagement Within Digital Mental Health Interventions

Flemming, Lisa (2025) The Relationship Between Persuasive System Design, Personality, and Engagement Within Digital Mental Health Interventions.

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Abstract:Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) can improve mental health, but low completion rates are a concern. This study examines whether persuasive system design (PSD) features increase engagement in university students and if personality traits influence engagement. Participants completed a DMHI while wearing eye-tracking glasses. Engagement was measured using the TWente Engagement with Ehealth Technologies Scale, and personality traits were assessed with the Mini-IPIP. Two groups were tested: Group A completed a non-PSD module first, followed by a PSD module, while Group B completed them in reverse. Quantitative data were analysed with t-tests and Spearman’s Rank Correlation, and qualitative data from eye-tracking and think-aloud sessions were thematically analysed. Group B reported higher engagement (M = 2.89, SD = 0.15) than Group A (M = 2.32, SD = 0.44), t(3.98) = -3.03, p < 0.05. Group B also showed higher engagement after the non-PSD module (M = 3.11, SD = 0.22), t(2) = -6.91, p < 0.05. Participants preferred the PSD module, citing Tailoring and Self-monitoring as key features. Neuroticism negatively influenced engagement, but other personality traits showed unclear effects. PSD features improve engagement in DMHIs. Future research should explore optimal PSD implementation and the relationship between personality and engagement.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/105007
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