| SuperBetter app | By SuperBetter, LLC |
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Features
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| Clinical review |
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SuperBetter app
SuperBetter app
- SuperBetter is a motivational app that comprises a series of games and challenges.
SuperBetter is a motivational app that comprises a series of games and challenges. By using words that relate to gaming the app aims to get you to build on your strengths and overcome your weaknesses. The app has categories that have some science behind them. For example 'power-ups' are anything that makes you feel better which in turn sparks positive emotions, 'quests' enable you to track your daily and weekly goals, 'bad guys' involves battling bad habits and mindsets, 'allies' are your strong social relationships and 'future boosts' are things you look forward to.
For the complete app description, go to iTunes(external link) or the app website(external link) and for a detailed review, see reviews below.
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✔ Has had a successful clinical trial showing improvement in depression after 6 weeks, and a second trial showing improvement in post-concussion symptoms after 3-6 weeks. |
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✔ Has had a successful clinical trial showing improvement in depression after 6 weeks, and a second trial showing improvement in post-concussion symptoms after 3-6 weeks. |
✘ Text based format, minimal visual appeal, lack of utility of the leveling system, and limited interactive content. Layout can be confusing to a new user - easier with repeated use.
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Clinical review
Reviewer: Dr Jeremy Steinberg, GP
Date of review: April 2018
Platform: Android
Version: 1.1.8
Comments: This app (and optional associated website(external link)(external link), book and TED(external link)(external link) talk) is a tool to help you ‘gamify’ your life in order to reach your physical, mental, emotional and social goals — level up, get power ups, go on quests, make allies and fight bad guys.
At its core the app is a text based list of goals and associated psychological strategies with an overlay of gaming language.
It has been validated in a six week clinical trial(external link)(external link) for depression and anxiety, and a second trial(external link)(external link) for post-concussion syndrome. It uses proven psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. The app claims to help with any goal but there is no research to support this.
There is unfortunately limited guidance and non-working hyperlinks in the app. I recommend using the associated website, watching the TED talk and logging on to the browser based ‘secret lab’ to understand the system.
The app has a text based format with minimal visual appeal. There is a lack of utility of the levelling system, and text within the Power Ups, Quests and Bad Guys appear to be all static, not responding to use. There is is also limited cohesion between the different components.
Overall, I would recommend it for anyone interested in a gamification approach who has mild depression, anxiety or post-concussion syndrome. You would need to be already somewhat motivated to change. It could also be used for other goals but it hasn’t been studied in this setting.
Safety concerns: None.
Roepke AM, Jaffee SR, Riffle OM, McGonigal J, et al. Randomized Controlled Trial of SuperBetter, a Smartphone-Based/Internet-Based Self-Help Tool to Reduce Depressive Symptoms.(external link) Games Health J. 2015 Jun;4(3):235-46.
Payne HE, Moxley VB, MacDonald E. Health Behavior Theory in Physical Activity Game Apps: A Content Analysis(external link). JMIR Serious Games. 2015 Jul 13;3(2):e4.
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Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly. |
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