A Systematic Review of Nudging in the Mental Health Contexts - Progress, Findings, and Ways Forward

Nudges, defined as decisional context designs such as information presentation and structure, are increasingly utilized to encourage mental health behaviors. We conducted a systematic review, including 25 studies predominantly employing between-subject framing experiments, involving mainly adult participants from Western regions, and mostly on help-seeking and self-care. Findings on norm nudging and framing (self-other and positive-negative) have been mixed with evidence of positive-framing advantage in encouraging help-seeking. Limited studies on default nudge, decoy nudge, and reminder nudge found mostly beneficial effects. We provided suggestions to advance mental health nudging research, including a call for more theory-driven research with potential mediating and moderating measures, sampling of diverse populations in mental health conditions, age, cultural backgrounds. More research on tailored nudges and comparison between different nudges are also encouraged. Finally, studies with more consequential outcome variables (e.g. mental health, longer term behaviors), and monitoring and addressing risks of adverse effects, will be worthwhile. Keywords: Nudges, Decision-Making, Mental Health, Self-care, Help-seeking, Systematic Review