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A future orientation intervention delivered through a smartphone application and virtual reality: study protocol for
Esther C A Mertens1, Aniek M Siezenga1,2, Tiffany Tettero1,2
1Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
BMC Psychology
|December 20, 2022
Summary
This study tests FutureU, an intervention to boost future thinking and reduce self-defeating behaviors using smartphone or VR technology. It aims to improve goal achievement and enhance self-identification with one's future self.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Health
Background:
- Short-term thinking correlates with self-defeating behaviors like delinquency and alcohol use.
- Future-oriented thinking is linked to positive outcomes, including competence and goal achievement.
- Strengthening identification with one's future self can mitigate negative behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the FutureU intervention's effectiveness in promoting future-oriented thinking.
- To reduce self-defeating behaviors and enhance goal achievement through future self-identification.
- To compare the efficacy of smartphone app versus Virtual Reality (VR) delivery methods.
Main Methods:
- A Randomized Controlled Trial involving 240 first-year university students.
- Participants allocated to smartphone, VR, or active control conditions (n=80 per group).
- Assessment of proximal (future self-identification) and distal outcomes (future orientation, self-defeating behaviors, goal achievement) at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- Data collection ongoing; results pending.
- Analysis will examine user engagement, usage patterns, and goal content.
- Evaluation of intervention effectiveness and working mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- The study will elucidate the efficacy of the FutureU intervention across different delivery platforms.
- Findings will inform future intervention development and theoretical advancements in behavioral science.
- Comparative analysis of smartphone and VR delivery methods will highlight technological potential.
