Scoping review on productivity-related psychological interventions: Integration into the Felicity App

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Felicity App is a mobile application undergoing development with the aim to integrate practical psychological interventions with recreational elements to reinforce positive and productive behaviours. Prior to construction, psychological interventions must be reviewed for relevance, effectiveness and ability to be integrated within Felicity. Psychological concepts are reviewed as the preliminary phase prior to further investigation in subfields. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched including (and not limited to) PsychInfo, PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect from November 29, 2020 to December 5, 2020. Further filtering methods were applied accordingly, and grey literature was excluded. Common and effective psychological interventions related to productivity were screened and extracted, with an emphasis on the reinforcement and discouragement of productivity-related behaviours. RESULTS: Productivity-related psychological interventions were addressed according to three categories: 1) Motivation 2) Procrastination 3) Time management. Within motivation, self-affirmation is an effective method, particularly when accompanied with other positive thinking techniques. Intrinsic motivation could be enhanced with goals aligned in specific criterias. Additionally, virtual rewards, engagement, and familiarity serve as vital components to enhance motivation. Procrastination is associated with lower engagement in work and interventions include various therapy measures. Within time management, clear purpose has been shown as an effective tool for goal setting while strategies include spaced learning and other study techniques. CONCLUSION: This scoping review determined several points of connection between motivation, procrastination, and time management with many effective interventions which could be potentially integrated within the Felicity App for personal development and habit-building. Additional research should be conducted to further determine the effectiveness of interventions for integration into Felicity.