ePST

eQuoo is a gamified app designed to teach users “emotional intelligence skills” and how to become better communicators. The app bases its content on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Positive Psychology. Users help fictional characters navigate through difficult circumstances by selecting how these characters should react in certain situations. Whether the user selects the wrong or right reaction, they are able to learn about how they should and should not behave in similar situations as the game provides feedback for each selection made. eQuoo has different genres (e.g. openness, neuroticism, agreeableness, self-serving bias, extraversion, reciprocity) in each level and users unlock more levels as they play the game.
Available For: Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch; Requires Android 5.0 and up.
Developer: PsycApps Ltd
Type of Treatment: Psychoeducation & Information, Cognitive Behavioral Principles, Chatbot/AI
Targeted Conditions: Stress and Anxiety
Target Audience: Not Specified
Designed to be used in conjunction with a professional? No
Languages Available: English, German
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
Get it on: Google Play, Apple App Store, Web
In one research study, 358 participants took part in a 5-week randomized controlled trial where they were split up into three groups. The first third of participants used eQuoo, the second third used a ‘Treatment as Usual’ CBT Journal application, and a third group was put on a waitlist and did not receive any intervention. Throughout the three weeks, all participants took the following questionnaires at three different time points – The Adult Resilience Scale, The Personal Growth Inventory Scale, the Psychological well-being: Positive Relations With Others Scale by Ryff and a 1 Item Anxiety Likert scale. Those in the eQuoo group showed statistically significant increases in metrics focused on wellbeing and significant decreases in anxiety, based on repeated measures. Participants also were seen to have increased resilience, personal growth, and positive relations with others. (Litvin, Silja, Maier, M.A., Lüttke, S., Saunders, R. (2019), https://equoogame.com/evidence-based-mental-health-by-psycapps/) In another published paper, the authors provide an overview of the development process of eQuoo, as well as an overview of upcoming studies. (Litvin. (2019), https://www.oatext.com/a-review-on-digital-mental-health-applications-types-psycappse-and-equoo.php#gsc.tab=0)
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