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A mobile app-based intervention for self-control(Hands-ON): usability and feasibility evaluations

da Silva, Marcia Cristina (2019) A mobile app-based intervention for self-control(Hands-ON): usability and feasibility evaluations.

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Abstract:Background: Aggression can lead to violence, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Research suggests that high levels of self-control can prevent aggression. The non-dominant hand paradigm is a promising approach to improve self-control, yet there are limitations in delivering this intervention. The Hands-ON app was developed to expand this intervention beyond clinical settings into one’s pocket. The study aimed to evaluate the Hands-ON app’s usability and feasibility. Methods: A usability test was conducted with experts in a think-aloud approach and it was measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and semi-structured interview. Then, a feasibility study was conducted with university students in a single-case experiment in two groups, ABA and BAB-design, where participants used the app- and email-based instructions to perform tasks with the non-dominant hand for 15 days. Aggression and self-control levels were measured with the Brief Aggression Questionnaire and Brief Self-Control Scale, respectively. Also, half of the participants participated in a semi-structured interview. Results: In the usability test, experts positively evaluated the app. The SUS mean score was above average (N = 82.5). Two main categories raised from the experts’ interviews: perceived usability, and perceived persuasive elements. Feedback was used to support further app improvements. In the feasibility study, nineteen university students and most of them positively evaluated the app. Three participants had clinically significant results in both aggression and self-control, four only for aggression, and three only for self-control. Among all participants, levels of aggression decreased by 13.8%, and levels of self-control increased by 13.5%. Four categories raised from the interviews: perceptions of the intervention, comparison between the app and email instructions, app bugs reporting, and points of improvement. Conclusion: Hands-ON app was demonstrated to be usable and feasible. The next step is to further improve the app and to test with individuals with aggressive behaviour problems. Keywords: app, usability, feasibility, aggression, self-control
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:TNW: Science and Technology
Subject:44 medicine, 77 psychology
Programme:Health Sciences MSc (66851)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/79466
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