Karekla M, Savvides SN. (2021). Smoking cessation avatar-led Acceptance and Commitment Therapy digital intervention: Feasibility and acceptability in young adults. Translational Behavioral Medicine, 11(1), 198–205. https://doi.org/10.1093/tbm/ibz128

A study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an avatar-led digital intervention for smoking cessation in youth. The six-session intervention is based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The program used avatars as interactive digital characters serving as coaches. Forty-nine participants ages 18-28 years who reported to be regular smokers with Internet access were recruited at three universities in Cyprus. The intervention included six 25-minute sessions covering topics such as external and internal triggers to smoking, present-moment awareness, mindfulness, and relapse prevention. Participants were instructed to space out the sessions at least three days in between each session. At the end of each session, the study collected participants’ satisfaction with the treatment session and perceived helpfulness for quitting. Participants were also asked open-ended questions to gather feedback and suggestions for improvement. After the end of the intervention period, participants completed assessment questionnaires of satisfaction and feedback (0=not at all satisfied to 10=very satisfied). Overall, participants reported that the program was satisfactory, useful, and motivating. Participants’ open-ended comments indicated the intervention videos, games, and metaphors were positively received more than the graphics and avatars. Participants’ recommendations included modifications for more reality-based user experiences and more avatar interactivity. Findings indicate that the avatar-led digital ACT intervention was acceptable and satisfactory for smoking cessation among young adults.