Sillice Marie A, Morokoff Patricia J, Ferszt Ginette, Bickmore Timothy, Bock Beth C, Lantini Ryan, Velicer Wayne F
Department of of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.
College of Arts and Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States.
J Med Internet Res. 2018 Feb 7;20(2):e48. doi: 10.2196/jmir.7640.
Relational 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.
The purpose of this study was to examine participants' experiences using RAs to increase participant engagement and promote behavior change .
A 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.
Of 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).
RAs provide an innovative and attractive platform to increase exercise and sun protection behaviors and potentially other health behaviors.
关系代理（RAs）是旨在促使参与者参与改变过程的电子计算角色。最近一项名为“RAISE项目”的研究测试了关系代理与现有的基于计算机的干预措施相结合，以增加定期锻炼和防晒行为的有效性。结果表明，这些干预措施可能有效，但需要进一步改进。
本研究的目的是调查参与者使用关系代理来提高参与度并促进行为改变的体验。
主要采用定性研究方法。一份包含25个问题的访谈指南评估了参与者在干预过程中的不同体验，包括动机、参与度、满意或不满意程度、与关系代理互动的质量以及行为改变。满意度的定量评估基于1至10分的量表，1分表示最不满意，10分表示最满意。采用总结性分析方法评估个体的定性回答。单因素方差分析（ANOVA）检验了不同性别的满意度水平。
在最初参与“RAISE项目”的1354名参与者中，490名（36%）被分配到关系代理组。在分配到关系代理组的490名参与者中，216名（44%）完成了干预措施，并被联系进行后续评估以参与半结构化访谈。在216名参与者中，共有34名（16%）完成了访谈。参与者受到干预措施的激励并对其感到满意。参与者认为关系代理具有支持性、信息丰富、关怀他人，并报告在锻炼和防晒方面有积极的行为改变。一些参与者（15/34，44%）指出，与人类顾问相比，关系代理的评判性较低且不那么“专横”；其他参与者（12/34，35%）表示互动有时会重复或过于笼统。大多数参与者（22/34，65%）认为关系代理是他们在锻炼、防晒或两者行为改变的重要促成因素。满意度水平在7至10分之间。在满意度水平上未发现性别差异（P = 0.51）。
关系代理为增加锻炼和防晒行为以及潜在的其他健康行为提供了一个创新且有吸引力的平台。
