Students’ and teachers’ perceptions of a gamified app-based well-being intervention (GABWI) in Finland and Estonia

Introduction Recent research has highlighted concerns about adolescents’ physical activity, sleep patterns, and eating habits, while also suggesting that digital platforms could support adolescents’ holistic well-being.Objectives The study examines how students and teachers perceive a gamified, app-based well-being intervention (GABWI) and its potential effects on students’ views of their holistic well-being and physical capacity after Move! measurements. Move! is a national system in Finland that monitors and provides feedback on students’ physical capacity.Methodology The study used the Intervention Mapping model and a mixed-methods design. The eight-week GABWI was implemented in Finland and Estonia and included 94 students aged 13-16 years and seven teachers. Data included student health questionnaires and interviews with students (n = 24) and teachers (n = 7). The quantitative data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and t-tests, and the interview data using content analysis.Results The findings suggest that GABWI may influence adolescents’ perceptions of their holistic well-being and physical capacity. Students perceived that using the app for Move! measurements was more motivating than traditional teacher-led methods.Practical implication GABWI offers new opportunities to support students’ holistic well-being and may facilitate data-driven decision-making and resource allocation to specific areas or student groups.