Engaging Users in the Behavior Change Process With Digitalized Motivational Interviewing and Gamification: Development and Feasibility Testing of the Precious App

摘要: Background: Most adults do not engage in sufficient physical activity to maintain good health. Smartphone apps are increasingly used support but typically focus on tracking behaviors with no for the complex process of behavior change. Tracking features all users, and could better reach their targets by engaging users reflecting reasons, capabilities, opportunities Motivational interviewing supports this active engagement self-reflection self-regulation fostering psychological needs proposed self-determination theory (ie, autonomy, competence, relatedness). However, it is unknown whether digitalized motivational a smartphone app engages process. Objective: This study aimed describe theory- evidence-based development Precious examine how using change process. Specifically, we determine if use elicits talk participants they perceive autonomy app. Methods: A multidisciplinary team built The reflective processes spontaneous gamified tools, builds principles control 7 relational techniques 12 techniques. feasibility was tested among adults, who were asked interact prototype think aloud. Semistructured interviews allowed extend statements. Participants’ interactions video recorded, transcribed, analyzed deductive thematic analysis identify theoretical themes related talk. Results: Participants valued supportive (eg, freedom pursue personally relevant goals receive tailored feedback). We identified following five based theory-based theme support: valuing chance choose, concern about lack expecting controlling features, autonomous goals, feedback. actively engaged outcome reasons activity, producing several types very little sustain talk. desire, need, ability, commitment, taking steps toward change. Conclusions: takes unique approach targeting both processes. It allows mobile form, techniques, intrinsic motivation elements. shows promise, impact its interactive feedback be studied over time. undergoing testing series n-of-1 randomized controlled trials.