ERIC Number: EJ1362020
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2059-0776
EISSN: EISSN-2059-0784
Available Date: N/A
An Evaluation of the Behaviour Change Content and Quality of Smartphone Apps Designed for Individuals Experiencing Anxiety: An Illustrative Example for School Psychologists
Chan, P.; Furlonger, B. E.; Leif, E. S.; D'Souza, L. A.; Phillips, K. J.; Di Mattia, M.
Educational and Developmental Psychologist, v39 n2 p209-218 2022
Objective: To evaluate the behaviour change techniques (BCT) of anxiety-related stand-alone apps accessible to individuals who wish to use apps to assist in the self-management of their anxiety. Methods: Apps that met the inclusion criterion were downloaded and subjected to content analysis. Specific categories were coded using the BCTTv1 (behaviour change technique taxonomy) and the Mobile Application Rating Scale: User version (uMARS). Results: Overall, the reviewed apps included low levels of BCTs, which moderately correlated with app quality. When comparing apps that claimed to facilitate self-management of anxiety symptoms and those which did not, there were no significant differences in the BCT and overall quality between the two groups. Three stand-alone anxiety-related apps were identified as of better quality than the others. They had higher scores on both the level of behaviour change content and overall quality. Conclusions: The BCTTv1 framework was a time efficient method for assessing the behaviour change content of the apps. Implications: The BCTTv1 framework allows psychologists to make evidence-based decisions about the type of anxiety-related stand-alone apps to recommend to their clients.
Descriptors: Behavior Change, Intervention, Anxiety, Self Management, Handheld Devices, Computer Oriented Programs, Computer Software, Content Analysis, Stress Management, Evidence Based Practice, School Counseling, Telecommunications, Evaluation, School Psychology
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A