A Web-Based Resource Informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Positive Psychology to Address Stress, Negative Affect, and Problematic Alcohol Use: A Usability and Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND

Research documents that drinking to cope behavior can be disrupted by enhancing emotion regulation and coping skills related to the experience of stress and negative affect. The Alpha Element Self-Coaching Plan incorporates principles of positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy to redirect negative thinking and emotions and, therefore, has the potential to benefit individuals who use alcohol to cope with stress.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate satisfaction and usability of the web-based Alpha Element Self-Coaching Plan in order to inform the development of an expanded digital platform based on the Alpha Element framework.

METHODS

Participants enrolled in the web-based program as part of their clinical care were eligible to participate. A total of 20 individuals (14 women and 6 men) between ages 30 and 79 (mean 54.5, SD 14.14) years completed web-based questionnaires to assess product performance in areas such as ease of technology use, quality of videos and handouts, and the value of the activities. Participants also completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) and provided background and demographic information, including alcohol use.

RESULTS

Only 1 participant reported no alcohol use in the past year; 55% (11/20) of participants drank alcohol 2-4 times per month or less and 45% (9/20) reported drinking alcohol 2-3 times per week or more. The average SUS score of 76.38 (SD 17.85) was well above the commonly accepted threshold of 68, indicating high system usability. A majority of the sample (16/19, 84%) agreed or strongly agreed that the activities in the program inspired behavioral changes; and most agreed or strongly agreed that the program was engaging (16/20, 80%), well-organized (18/20, 90%), and easy to follow (17/20, 85%). Only 2 participants endorsed experiencing difficulty using the program on a smartphone. Suggestions for program improvements included expanding the platform, updating the web format, adding user interactivity, and enhancing navigation.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that participants were generally satisfied with the web-based Alpha Element Self-Coaching Plan, and rated usability of the program as favorable. Importantly, a significant portion of participants reported that the program inspired behavioral changes. More research is needed with a larger sample to obtain specific data about alcohol consumption and investigate associations between alcohol use and program components, as well as examine gender differences. Data collected from this study will be used to expand the platform and improve user experience.