Universitat Jaume I
Casteleyn, Sven
Mira, Adriana
Huerta Guijarro, Joaquín
2023-12-11
373 p.
Universitat Jaume I. Escola de Doctorat
Depression is the most prevalent mental disorder in our society, leading to disability and suicide deaths. Although effective evidence-based psychological treatments exist, they reach only a fraction of those in need. Smartphone-based interventions offer one possible solution to expand access, though challenges such as high dropout rates need to be addressed. This dissertation introduces "Horizon: Resilience", a smartphone-based Serious Game intervention for depressive symptoms. In this city builder game, players manage a town with the goal of progress and psychological resilience for its inhabitants. It integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Positive Psychology techniques, incorporating physical activity through motion sensors. The game was qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated by psychologists and patients, and a protocol for a future pilot RCT study towards efficacy and usability was designed. This thesis resides on the crossroads of Computer Science and Psychology, combining state-of-the-art techniques of both to come to a novel psychological treatment delivery.
Depression; Mental health; physical activity detection; Serious game; Smartphone-based intervention
159.9 - Psychology; 62 - Engineering. Technology in general
Ciències de la Salut
Doctorat internacional.
