Mobile Monitoring and Coaching

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of Online Digital Assistance using electronic diaries on mobile phones and the effect of feedback on perceived stress complaints. Electronic diary measurement of stress complaints was performed on a second year psychology student population. Participants received diaries for five days. Measurements took place for fifteen weeks, which resulted in fifty-three participants with usable data. Participants received electronic diaries three times a day and received feedback twice a day on a mobile phone. The feedback was coupled with the answers of the diaries and consisted of a traffic light, a tip and a pep-up, all with accompanying text. The participants were positive about the method. User friendliness was high, compliance was high (92%) and the amount of technical problems was acceptable (6.6%). These results indicate that Online Digital Assistance is feasible for use on mobile phones in a student population. The feedback did not result in a significant difference between participants who did and participants who did not receive feedback. Further research should indicate if coaching under different circumstances will have an additional value.