Presentation Abstract

Faculty's Name: Jennie Brown

Co-registrant Names:

Type of Presentation: Research Paper Presentation: One or more registrants presenting a research paper

Presentation Title: "Evolutionary Mismatch on Campus: A Gamified Behavioral Intervention to Promote Student Well-Being"

Abstract:

This project presents the development of a gamified, research-informed mobile intervention designed to support college student mental health and academic success at Franklin Pierce University. Grounded in evolutionary psychology, evolutionary mismatch theory, Reality Therapy, the theory of planned behavior, and Fogg’s Tiny Habits framework, the app addresses the gap between modern campus environments and the conditions for which human psychological systems were originally adapted. From a mismatch perspective, contemporary student life often disrupts basic needs for connection, movement, rest, competence, and purpose. Drawing from Reality Therapy’s emphasis on choice, responsibility, and meeting core psychological needs, the intervention encourages students to intentionally select small, daily behaviors aligned with long-term well-being. Students complete brief challenges, track progress, and receive immediate feedback through a structured points system designed to strengthen motivation and consistency.

The intervention is being evaluated using a pretest–posttest design with validated measures (DASS-21; WHO-5) to assess changes in stress, anxiety, depression, and psychological well-being. By integrating habit formation, nudging strategies, and choice-based behavioral accountability, this project aims to create a scalable, campus-based tool that promotes resilience, belonging, and student agency.

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