Behavioral Economics, Motivating Psycho-Education Improvements: A Mobile Technology Initiative in South Africa.

Alexandra Mary Forsythe,Catherine Venter

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01560

Alexandra Mary Forsythe, Catherine Venter

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01560

Copy DOI

Abstract

Here we report on a health behavioral support project, using incentivized behavior on a mobile platform through M4JAM. This was a proof of concept study to support further developments, more specifically targeted at the management of tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus. The study reported here examines the impact of financial rewards and app toward improving mental health outcomes in South Africa. A total of 136 participants were recruited from a database and dichotomized into self-determined and heteronomous groups based on self-report scores. Overall the findings reported here highlight that personal financial incentives have a role in motivating behavior. The findings are discussed in light of the usefulness of an incentivized mobile platform in real-world practice to encourage mental health improvements in low- to middle-income countries.

Highlights

Reviewed by: Afolaranmi Olumide Tolulope, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria Serena Giunta, University of Palermo, Italy
Considering the mental health perplexity in South Africa and following World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations in regard to income generation and educational opportunities, the research project reported here investigates whether an incentivized psycho-educational initiative on a mobile device could have a positive effect with regard to the improvement and promotion of mental health, and if such an initiative could affect a difference between incentivized and de-incentivized groups
A second and separate analysis comparing the variance of High self-determination

Summary

Introduction

Reviewed by: Afolaranmi Olumide Tolulope, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria Serena Giunta, University of Palermo, Italy. We report on a health behavioral support project, using incentivized behavior on a mobile platform through M4JAM This was a proof of concept study to support further developments, targeted at the management of tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus. The findings are discussed in light of the usefulness of an incentivized mobile platform in real-world practice to encourage mental health improvements in low- to middle-income countries. Considering the mental health perplexity in South Africa and following WHO recommendations in regard to income generation and educational opportunities, the research project reported here investigates whether an incentivized psycho-educational initiative on a mobile device could have a positive effect with regard to the improvement and promotion of mental health, and if such an initiative could affect a difference between incentivized and de-incentivized groups

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion