Reviewing Effective Contents for a Gamification Approach to Foster Wellbeing among Adolescents

Abstract

Abstract Background Ample evidence exists that wellbeing is critical during teenage years. Therefore, options for implementing wellbeing among adolescents are needed. To fulfill this need, gamification promises to be a suitable method. Gamification uses game design elements from a game context (points, leaderboards) and game elements (randomness, tension) in a real life context to reach life goals such as behavioral changes. Recent studies indicate that gamification only produces long-term effects when filled with stimulating content. To categorize the content of the adventures and other game design elements within the gamification concept, the “5 ways to wellbeing” have been a suitable evidence-based approach among adult interventions: connect, give, take notice, keep learning and be active. This research aims at filling the framework of gamification with the most opportune content to foster wellbeing among adolescents. Methods 71 interventions of fostering wellbeing among adolescents could be identified in a scoping review from Pubmed. Eligible interventions had to focus on adolescents and had to have outcomes on wellbeing. Interventions that covered a more specific target group, such as cancer survivors, were excluded from this research. Results Adolescent interventions' contents, which had a positive outcome on wellbeing, mostly dealt with physical activity (13) and health promotion (11), followed by psychological training interventions (9). 11 interventions did not have a positive outcome on wellbeing. Discussion The many positive outcomes in above categories result from the amount of interventions. To further investigate the effect of the five ways to wellbeing within a gamification framework for adolescents, we develop an intervention application (ONYA) which will be applied among adolescents in German middle schools. ONYA is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Health Education. Key messages Research on suitable content for gamification frameworks on wellbeing is rare. Wellbeing interventions are underrepresented in the categories of the 5 ways to wellbeing.