University of Twente Student Theses

Login

Positive Psychology Apps A systematic review of current positive psychological apps aiming to increase happiness

Feldmann, Lea (2017) Positive Psychology Apps A systematic review of current positive psychological apps aiming to increase happiness.

[img] PDF
6MB
Abstract:Background: Mobile applications may have the potential to deliver interventions aiming to increase happiness to everyone across the globe. Methods: This study examined the quality of a selection of 11 apps based on the following criteria: Theoretical background including the use of positive psychological exercises, use of persuasive system design principles and subjective quality. Results: Most apps had a moderate theoretical background. Additionally, only a few established positive psychological exercises were used. Persuasive System Design Elements were incorporated to a moderate extent. Expert ratings on subjective app quality were also moderate whereas the average app store rating by real users tended to be higher. Conclusion: Most apps aiming to promote happiness still lack theoretical foundation. Additionally, the use of Persuasive System Design elements could be improved to increase adherence. Furthermore, most apps were not highly rated on subjective quality. Given that app stores still lack a standardized quality rating for users, it would be advantageous to develop a professional quality seal for the extent to which an app is based on theory as well as how subjective quality is rated. Through this study, a first step to the development of such a framework has been made.
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/71614
Export this item as:BibTeX
EndNote
HTML Citation
Reference Manager

 

Repository Staff Only: item control page