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Positive psychology apps : a systematic review of the quality and characteristics of a selection of current free-of-charge positive psychological apps aiming to enhance resilience available in the Google Play Store

Wintermeyer, Simon A. (2021) Positive psychology apps : a systematic review of the quality and characteristics of a selection of current free-of-charge positive psychological apps aiming to enhance resilience available in the Google Play Store.

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Abstract:Background: Stress is a crucial factor for the formation of mental illnesses with the consequence of a need for intensive therapeutic treatment. In this respect, individual resilience can represent an important protective factor for stress-related long-term consequences. That is why also in the field of mental health apps self-help exercises of positive psychological interventions focus on strengthening resilience. The range of low-cost, so-called online positive psychology interventions (OPPIs) is growing steadily, and the number of apps currently available in the Google Play Store alone is enormous. However, little is known about the quality and characteristics of such apps aiming to enhance resilience. Objective: The aim of this study is the investigation of the quality of several currently available free-of-charge apps in the Google Play Store that aim to enhance resilience. Methods: A systematic review of 10 free-of-charge apps aiming to enhance resilience were conducted. Per app, several quality indicators were analysed: The theoretical background, persuasive technology elements and subjective user ratings. Coding schemes were designed to point out theoretical elements from positive psychology theories and models, and to investigate the implementation of persuasive system design elements. For the analysis of the subjective quality, the user ratings of the Google Play Store and the corresponding download statistics were used. In addition, the apps were rated by two researchers using an expert rating scale to subsequently determine an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: A relatively high number of implemented scientific positive psychology aspects could be found within the selected and tested apps, although the theoretical basis varied widely between the 10 apps. Additionally, a moderate extent of implemented persuasive system design elements was found. The average expert ratings (M=3.84, SD=0.62) tended to be lower than the average user ratings in the Google Play Store (M=4.43, SD=0.34). A Spearman’s rank-order correlation between the different quality indicators showed significant positive relations between the average expert rating scores and the amount of embedded scientific positive psychology features (rs=.806, p<.01) and between the average expert rating scores and the extent of implemented persuasive system design elements (rs=.718, p<.0.5). However, the average Appstore user ratings and download statistics showed only weak correlations with the other quality indicators. Conclusion: The quality between apps aiming to enhance resilience in terms of embedded theoretical background and persuasive system design elements still differs widely. Subjective user ratings and download statistics do not seem to be a reliable indicator for the app’s quality, so the implementation of a standardized quality seal, based on expert ratings, would be recommended. This study has made a first impression towards the development of such a framework.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/89052
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