Managing depression through a behavior change support system without face-to-face therapy

Abstract

We present results from a study that examines impact of persuasive reminders and virtual rehearsal on the effectiveness of a Behavior Change Support System. Good Life Compass is a web-based BCSS aimed at supporting people with mild to moderate depression without face-to-face therapy. The content of virtual rehearsal were drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Eligible participants were randomized into an intervention study and a control (wait-list) group. In this paper, both groups shall be reported as intervention group 1 and 2 respectively. For data collection, we employed semi-structured questionnaires and post-study interviews. As a result, participants acknowledged persuasive reminders as being helpful in completing weekly tasks and virtual rehearsal as an effective technique for learning new behaviors. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.