The National Institute of Mental Health and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality convened an expert panel to identify the top research priorities in the field of behavioral intervention technology (BIT) research. The panel determined that if BIT research is to evolve in an effective way to reach and serve those with mental health needs, theoretical and research paradigms from multiple disciplines must be integrated and refined. The projects from the present research reflect this recommendation, linking usability testing methods and psychological theory to evaluate apps for depression. Apps are ideally suited as a new delivery mechanism to overcome barriers to depression interventions; however, there are many gaps in the literature regarding use of this delivery mechanism. The present research increased the knowledge of apps for depression by identifying: barriers to this delivery mechanism that implicate design changes, the learnability and learning performance of users following initial use, and the feasibility of evaluating use and outcomes of apps for depression. Usability testing and RCTs are forms of research typically conducted and consumed by different fields. However, in using both forms of research, the design, development, and deployment of BITs can be improved to reach those with depression.

Last modified

• 04/19/2018

Creator

• Elizabeth Colleen Stiles-Shields

DOI

• https://doi.org/10.21985/N2PQ5V

Subject

• Clinical Psychology

Keyword

• Barriers
• Behavioral Intervention Technologies
• Mobile
• Apps
• Depression
• Learning

Date created

• 2016-01-01

Resource type

• Dissertation

Rights statement

• In Copyright