Combining Behavioral Economics-Based Incentives With the Anchoring Strategy: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.
JMIR research protocols April 28, 2023 Chad Stecher, Sara Cloonan, Sebastian Linnemayr et al. 2 citations
Long-term elevated stress contributes to mental and physical health problems. Mindfulness meditation mobile apps offer a promising self-management tool, but poor adherence limits their effectiveness. This planned 16-week randomized controlled trial will test whether combining behavioral economics incentives (self-monitoring messages and financial rewards) with an anchoring strategy—pairing meditation with an existing daily routine—can establish and maintain a habit of at least 10 minutes of daily meditation. The study will compare five groups, varying the type of self-monitoring and whether financial incentives are tied to any-time meditation or meditation near the anchor time. Adherence will be measured weekly, and secondary outcomes include stress, anxiety, PTSD, sleep, and habit strength. The research aims to identify a scalable intervention for stress management.