A Web-Based Intervention to Support a Growth Mindset and Well-Being in Unemployed Young Adults: Development Study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Health

Background:

• Young adults face employment challenges impacting well-being.
• Digital psychological interventions have high dropout rates.
• Technology can scale positive psychology for job seekers.

Purpose of the Study:

• Overview of a new positive psychology intervention.
• Focus on theoretical underpinnings and human-centered design.
• Targeting young unemployed adults.

Main Methods:

• Collaborative design with stakeholders.
• Web-based intervention leveraging wise interventions.
• Formative usability testing with 13 young adults (18-25).
• Iterative design based on qualitative feedback.

Main Results:

• Developed RØST, a modular web application.
• Incorporated persuasive features (praise, rewards, reminders).
• Designed for mobile use with text message reminders.
• Addressed technical and data protection considerations.

Conclusions:

• User-centered design is crucial for intervention development.
• End-user feedback shapes relatable and usable content.
• Tensions between evidence-based and human-centered design require ongoing motivation strategies.