A Novel Smartphone-Based Intervention Aimed at Increasing Future Orientation via the Future Self: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Prototype Application

Prevention Science, vol. 25, pp. 392–405

Abstract

We developed and tested a smartphone-based intervention, FutureU, that aims to stimulate future-oriented thinking and behavior by strengthening the degree to which people identify with their future self. In order to examine the potential of this intervention prototype and opportunities for further optimization, we evaluated 1) the immediate and long-term efficacy of the intervention, and 2) intervention effects after each of three intervention modules. To this end, we conducted a randomized controlled pilot study among first-year university students (N = 176). Results showed a decrease in goal commitment immediately after the intervention. At 3-months follow-up, trends showed an increase in future orientation and in self-efficacy. During the intervention, there was a positive effect on vividness of the future self after the first module. Although there is scope for improvement, the findings highlight the potential of the intervention to increase people's future-oriented thinking and behavior.

Authors 4

1. Esther C. A. Mertens Aachen Institute of Education and Child Studies

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands

2. Aniek Marieke Siezenga Aachen Institute of Education and Child Studies

   Leiden University · Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Criminology, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, Freiburg, Germany

   Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands

3. Job van der Schalk Aachen Institute of Education and Child Studies

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands

4. Jean‐Louis van Gelder corresponding Aachen Institute of Education and Child Studies

   Leiden University · Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Criminology, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, Freiburg, Germany. j.vangelder@csl.mpg.de

   Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands. j.vangelder@csl.mpg.de

   Department of Criminology, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, Freiburg, Germany