Abstract
BackgroundRelational agents (RAs) are electronic computational figures designed to engage participants in the change process. A recent study, Project RAISE, tested the effectiveness of RAs, combined with existing computer-based interventions to increase regular exercise and sun protection behaviors. Results showed these interventions can be effective but need further development.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine participants’ experiences using RAs to increase participant engagement and promote behavior change .MethodsA qualitative approach was primarily utilized. A 25-question interview guide assessed different components of participants’ experiences with the intervention, including motivation, engagement, satisfaction or dissatisfaction, quality of their interaction with the RA, and behavior change. Quantitative assessment of satisfaction was based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing least satisfied and 10 representing most satisfied. A summative analytic approach was used to assess individuals’ qualitative responses. A single analysis of variance (ANOVA) examined levels of satisfaction by gender.ResultsOf the original 1354 participants enrolled in Project RAISE, 490 of 1354 (36%) were assigned to the RA group. A sample of 216 out of 490 (44%) participants assigned to the RA group completed the interventions, and follow-up assessments were contacted to participate in the semistructured interview. A total of 34 out of 216 (16%) completed the interview. Participants were motivated by, and satisfied with, the intervention. Participants viewed the RA as supportive, informative, caring, and reported positive behavior change in both exercise and sun protection. Some participants (15/34, 44%) noted the RA was less judgmental and less “overbearing” compared with a human counselor; other participants (12/34, 35%) said that the interaction was sometimes repetitive or overly general. The majority of participants (22/34, 65%) viewed the RA as an important contributor to their behavior change for exercise, sun protection, or both. Levels of satisfaction ranged between 7 and 10. There were no gender differences noted in levels of satisfaction (P=.51).ConclusionsRAs provide an innovative and attractive platform to increase exercise and sun protection behaviors and potentially other health behaviors.
Highlights
BackgroundDuring the last 30 years, numerous computer-based behavioral health interventions have been developed and have shown to be effective in clinical trials [1,2,3,4]
Of the original 1354 participants enrolled in Project RAISE, 490 of 1354 (36%) were assigned to the Relational agents (RAs) group
A sample of 216 out of 490 (44%) participants assigned to the RA group completed the interventions, and follow-up assessments were contacted to participate in the semistructured interview
Summary
BackgroundDuring the last 30 years, numerous computer-based behavioral health interventions have been developed and have shown to be effective in clinical trials [1,2,3,4]. Relational agents (RAs) represent one of the recent innovative electronic communication technology approaches (electronic health) developed to increase engagement [5,6,7,8,9]. A recent exercise and sun protection intervention tested the efficacy of RAs, combined with existing computer-based interventions, to increase participant engage and behavior change [9]. A recent study, Project RAISE, tested the effectiveness of RAs, combined with existing computer-based interventions to increase regular exercise and sun protection behaviors. Results showed these interventions can be effective but need further development
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
