[de:)press®: How expectations shape treatment satisfaction? : Observation of an app-based cognitive control training as an add-on therapy for people with depression].

BACKGROUND

Digital interventions such as de:)press®, a cognitive control training, increasingly supplement standard depression treatment. Psychological factors, such as treatment expectation (TE), gain importance as they can influence user satisfaction (US).

METHOD: In a randomized controlled trial, the relationship between TE and US was examined in 58 individuals with unipolar depression. The intervention group used de:)press® for 6 weeks. The factors TE (T1), US and usage frequency (UF; T2) were assessed via questionnaires and app data. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

The TE had a significant direct effect on US, which was not mediated by UF. No moderating effect of medication was found. The app received high satisfaction ratings, especially regarding its usability, while the perceived therapeutic effect was rated more moderately.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the relevance of subjective factors such as TE in evaluating digital interventions. Objective usage played a lesser role. Addressing user expectations can enhance the acceptance and effectiveness of digital health applications.