Disconnected Values Model Improves Mental Well-Being and Health Behavior Change

Background Internet interventions for improving health and well-being have the potential to reach many people and fill gaps in service provision. Serious gaming interfaces provide opportunities to optimize user adherence and impact. Health interventions based in theory and evidence and tailored to psychological constructs have been found to be more effective to promote behavior change. Defining the design elements which engage users and help them to meet their goals can contribute to better informed serious games. Objective To elucidate design elements important in SPARX, a serious game for adolescents with depression, from a user-centered perspective. Methods We proposed a model based on an established theory of health behavior change and practical features of serious game design to organize ideas and rationale. We analyzed data from 5 studies comprising a total of 22 focus groups and 66 semistructured interviews conducted with youth and families in New Zealand and Australia who had viewed or used SPARX. User perceptions of the game were applied to this framework. Results A coherent framework was established using the three constructs of self-determination theory (SDT), autonomy, competence, and relatedness, to organize user perceptions and design elements within four areas important in design: computer game, accessibility, working alliance, and learning in immersion. User perceptions mapped well to the framework, which may assist developers in understanding the context of user needs. By mapping these elements against the constructs of SDT, we were able to propose a sound theoretical base for the model. Conclusions This study’s method allowed for the articulation of design elements in a serious game from a user-centered perspective within a coherent overarching framework. The framework can be used to deliberately incorporate serious game design elements that support a user’s sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, key constructs which have been found to mediate motivation at all stages of the change process. The resulting model introduces promising avenues for future exploration. Involving users in program design remains an imperative if serious games are to be fit for purpose.

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Integrating Health Behavior Theory and Design Elements in Serious Games

10.26686/wgtn.12331295 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Colleen Cheek ◽

Theresa Fleming ◽

Mathijs FG Lucassen ◽

Heather Bridgman ◽

Karolina Stasiak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Behavior ◽

Behavior Change ◽

Game Design ◽

Serious Games ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Behavior Change ◽

Serious Game ◽

User Perceptions ◽

Design Elements ◽

User Centered

Background Internet interventions for improving health and well-being have the potential to reach many people and fill gaps in service provision. Serious gaming interfaces provide opportunities to optimize user adherence and impact. Health interventions based in theory and evidence and tailored to psychological constructs have been found to be more effective to promote behavior change. Defining the design elements which engage users and help them to meet their goals can contribute to better informed serious games. Objective To elucidate design elements important in SPARX, a serious game for adolescents with depression, from a user-centered perspective. Methods We proposed a model based on an established theory of health behavior change and practical features of serious game design to organize ideas and rationale. We analyzed data from 5 studies comprising a total of 22 focus groups and 66 semistructured interviews conducted with youth and families in New Zealand and Australia who had viewed or used SPARX. User perceptions of the game were applied to this framework. Results A coherent framework was established using the three constructs of self-determination theory (SDT), autonomy, competence, and relatedness, to organize user perceptions and design elements within four areas important in design: computer game, accessibility, working alliance, and learning in immersion. User perceptions mapped well to the framework, which may assist developers in understanding the context of user needs. By mapping these elements against the constructs of SDT, we were able to propose a sound theoretical base for the model. Conclusions This study’s method allowed for the articulation of design elements in a serious game from a user-centered perspective within a coherent overarching framework. The framework can be used to deliberately incorporate serious game design elements that support a user’s sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, key constructs which have been found to mediate motivation at all stages of the change process. The resulting model introduces promising avenues for future exploration. Involving users in program design remains an imperative if serious games are to be fit for purpose.

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Optimal Health (Spirit, Mind, and Body): A Feasibility Study Promoting Well-Being for Health Behavior Change

Journal of Religion and Health ◽

10.1007/s10943-014-9890-7 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 54 (5) ◽

pp. 1681-1698 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jenelle Walker ◽

Barbara Ainsworth ◽

Steven Hooker ◽

Colleen Keller ◽

Julie Fleury ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Behavior ◽

Behavior Change ◽

Feasibility Study ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Behavior Change ◽

Mind And Body ◽

Optimal Health

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Goal Disengagement, Well-Being, and Goal Achievement in Romantic Couples Pursuing Health Behavior Change: Evidence from Two Daily Diary Studies

Applied Psychology Health and Well-Being ◽

10.1111/aphw.12084 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 36-59 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Janina Lüscher ◽

Corina Berli ◽

Urte Scholz

Keyword(s):

Health Behavior ◽

Behavior Change ◽

Daily Diary ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Behavior Change ◽

Goal Achievement ◽

Romantic Couples ◽

Diary Studies ◽

Goal Disengagement ◽

Daily Diary Studies

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Integrating Health Behavior Theory and Design Elements in Serious Games

10.26686/wgtn.12331295.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Colleen Cheek ◽

Theresa Fleming ◽

Mathijs FG Lucassen ◽

Heather Bridgman ◽

Karolina Stasiak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Behavior ◽

Behavior Change ◽

Game Design ◽

Serious Games ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Behavior Change ◽

Serious Game ◽

User Perceptions ◽

Design Elements ◽

User Centered

Background Internet interventions for improving health and well-being have the potential to reach many people and fill gaps in service provision. Serious gaming interfaces provide opportunities to optimize user adherence and impact. Health interventions based in theory and evidence and tailored to psychological constructs have been found to be more effective to promote behavior change. Defining the design elements which engage users and help them to meet their goals can contribute to better informed serious games. Objective To elucidate design elements important in SPARX, a serious game for adolescents with depression, from a user-centered perspective. Methods We proposed a model based on an established theory of health behavior change and practical features of serious game design to organize ideas and rationale. We analyzed data from 5 studies comprising a total of 22 focus groups and 66 semistructured interviews conducted with youth and families in New Zealand and Australia who had viewed or used SPARX. User perceptions of the game were applied to this framework. Results A coherent framework was established using the three constructs of self-determination theory (SDT), autonomy, competence, and relatedness, to organize user perceptions and design elements within four areas important in design: computer game, accessibility, working alliance, and learning in immersion. User perceptions mapped well to the framework, which may assist developers in understanding the context of user needs. By mapping these elements against the constructs of SDT, we were able to propose a sound theoretical base for the model. Conclusions This study’s method allowed for the articulation of design elements in a serious game from a user-centered perspective within a coherent overarching framework. The framework can be used to deliberately incorporate serious game design elements that support a user’s sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, key constructs which have been found to mediate motivation at all stages of the change process. The resulting model introduces promising avenues for future exploration. Involving users in program design remains an imperative if serious games are to be fit for purpose.

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Integrating Health Behavior Theory and Design Elements in Serious Games

JMIR Mental Health ◽

10.2196/mental.4133 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. e11 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Colleen Cheek ◽

Theresa Fleming ◽

Mathijs FG Lucassen ◽

Heather Bridgman ◽

Karolina Stasiak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Behavior ◽

Behavior Change ◽

Game Design ◽

Serious Games ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Behavior Change ◽

Serious Game ◽

User Perceptions ◽

Design Elements ◽

User Centered

Background Internet interventions for improving health and well-being have the potential to reach many people and fill gaps in service provision. Serious gaming interfaces provide opportunities to optimize user adherence and impact. Health interventions based in theory and evidence and tailored to psychological constructs have been found to be more effective to promote behavior change. Defining the design elements which engage users and help them to meet their goals can contribute to better informed serious games. Objective To elucidate design elements important in SPARX, a serious game for adolescents with depression, from a user-centered perspective. Methods We proposed a model based on an established theory of health behavior change and practical features of serious game design to organize ideas and rationale. We analyzed data from 5 studies comprising a total of 22 focus groups and 66 semistructured interviews conducted with youth and families in New Zealand and Australia who had viewed or used SPARX. User perceptions of the game were applied to this framework. Results A coherent framework was established using the three constructs of self-determination theory (SDT), autonomy, competence, and relatedness, to organize user perceptions and design elements within four areas important in design: computer game, accessibility, working alliance, and learning in immersion. User perceptions mapped well to the framework, which may assist developers in understanding the context of user needs. By mapping these elements against the constructs of SDT, we were able to propose a sound theoretical base for the model. Conclusions This study’s method allowed for the articulation of design elements in a serious game from a user-centered perspective within a coherent overarching framework. The framework can be used to deliberately incorporate serious game design elements that support a user’s sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, key constructs which have been found to mediate motivation at all stages of the change process. The resulting model introduces promising avenues for future exploration. Involving users in program design remains an imperative if serious games are to be fit for purpose.

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Maintenance of Health Behaviors: Exploring the Construct and Its Implications on Research, Education, and Practice

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3019 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 826-827

Author(s):

Jaime Hughes

Keyword(s):

Health Behavior ◽

Behavior Change ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Behavior Change ◽

Think Tank ◽

Research Education ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Successful Behavior ◽

Health Behavior Changes

Abstract Modifying health behaviors, including diet, physical activity, sleep, and/or medication adherence, can have a range of positive effects on older adults’ overall health, function, and well-being. Although many evidence-based programs exist to support the initiation of health behavior changes, few address longterm maintenance. Emerging research suggests initiation and maintenance are distinct constructs, each requiring unique skills. Furthermore, maintaining health behaviors depends upon health promotion programs that are sustained, or continually delivered with high fidelity, at community and population levels. The objective of this symposium is to present findings from a series of research projects designed to investigate the concept of behavior change maintenance. Activities were supported by NIA Research Centers Collaborative Network (RCCN) funding and included community listening sessions plus an interdisciplinary think tank of national thought leaders. This symposium will begin with an overview of health behavior change, including the rationale for studying maintenance as a critical yet overlooked phase of successful behavior change (J. Hughes). A proposed conceptual model of maintenance will then be discussed, including constructs distinguishing maintenance from initiation (Raj). These introductory presentations will be followed by a discussion of multi-level barriers and facilitators related to maintenance on individual, community, and population levels (S. Hughes). The session will close with implications for research, education, and practice (Bettger).

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