New research finds that frequent annoying text messages can be a cost-effective way to help smokers quit, and suggests how technology may help change other unwanted behaviors as well.
In a second test, the smokers were monitored their ongoing cravings, mood and cigarette usage over a three-week period, as text messages essentially "nagged" them with eight check-ins a day.
The study, to be published this week in the academic journal Health Psychology, proved the researchers' hypothesis that text messaging can be "a user-friendly and low-cost option for measuring real-time health behaviors."
"Text messaging may be an ideal delivery mechanism for tailored interventions because it is low-cost, most people already possess the existing hardware and the messages can be delivered near-instantaneously into real world situations," the researchers reported.
Scientists describe kicking an unwanted habit such as smoking as "a war that consists of a series of momentary self-control skirmishes." In other words, getting several annoying text messages a day works.
Curbing other addictions, from alcoholism to over-eating, may benefit from text monitoring as well. Ultimately, the research offers additional proof that changing unwanted behavior requires some level of constant and critical support -- be it from a professional, a strong social network or even through text messaging.
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