"Horizon: Resilience": A Smartphone-based Serious Game Intervention for Depressive Symptoms

Department/Institute

Universitat Jaume I. Escola de Doctorat

Doctorate programs

Programa de Doctorat en Informàtica

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Depression; Mental health; physical activity detection; Serious game; Smartphone-based intervention

Subjects

Knowledge Area

Ciències de la Salut

Note