Fostering Sustainable Nutrition Behavior through Gamification

Abstract

Abstract:The food choices consumers make have considerable consequences for the environment. In the Western world, about one-third of all negative environmental impact is directly related to food consumption. Although many consumers are concerned about environmental issues, this frequently has little effect on actual nutritional behavior and new approaches are needed to convert good intentions into action. Gamification could be a possible way to encourage both self-efficacy on the part of the consumer as well as normalizing such behavior socially. In this paper, central elements of the behavioral change model HAPA (health action process approach) are introduced to a gamification concept. The underlying frameworks of both concepts are then analyzed in order to develop propositions for use in the design of an effective gamification setting to promote sustainable nutritional behavior (SNB).

An App to Improve Eating Habits of Adolescents and Young Adults (Challenge to Go): Systematic Development of a Theory-Based and Target Group–Adapted Mobile App Intervention (Preprint)

“…Similarly, self-efficacy will be boosted by evaluative feedback [32,57]. When creating feedbacks, care…”

“…Gamification means that playful elements such as points, or leader boards are used in a context that is normally not played [31,32]. Gamification can be a motivational component of digital behavior change interventions by playfully making uninteresting topics interesting and thereby engage users in the long-term [32].…”

“…Motivational feedback is given through encouraging messages that should sustain intention and self-efficacy [32,43].…”

“…Content development of feedbacks was guided by HAPA for pre-intender and intenders and gamification aspects were implemented to enhance user engagement with the app [28,32].…”

“…Afterwards, profile setting shall enhance customization of the app [31] and is associated with the selection of the avatar in terms of age and sex. The avatar shall promote positive learning effects [32] and serves as identification tool for promoting adherence for app usage [32].…”