The Effect of Mental Health App Customization on Depressive Symptoms in College Students: Randomized Controlled Trial

• DOI: 10.2196/39516
• Publication Date: 2022-07-18T10:34:20Z
• Authors: Stephanie G Six; Kaileigh A Byrne; Heba Aly; Maggie W Harris
• Keywords: Original Paper; 4. Education; 05 social sciences; Psychology; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences; 16. Peace & justice; BF1-990; 3. Good health

Mental health apps have shown promise in improving mental symptoms, including depressive symptoms. However, limited research has been aimed at understanding how specific app features and designs can optimize the therapeutic benefits adherence to such apps.The primary purpose of this study is investigate effect avatar customization on symptoms use a novel cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based app. The secondary aim examine whether features, journaling, mood tracking, reminders, affect usability app.College students were recruited from university recruitment pool website via flyer advertisements throughout campus. A total 94 participants completed randomized controlled trial which they either or no version Customization involved personalizing virtual travel vehicle one's own preferences name Participants 14-day using CBT-based called AirHeart. Self-report scores for anxiety, stress measured baseline after intervention. Postintervention survey measures also included identification questionnaires.Of enrolled participants, 83 (88%) intervention postintervention assessments. AirHeart significantly reduced depression (P=.006) end 2-week period all regardless condition. differences (P=.17) (P=.80) observed between (39/83, 47%) (44/83, 53%) conditions. frequency usefulness helpfulness reminders not associated with changes (P>.05). Exploratory analyses showed that there 3 moderate positive correlations (identification: r=-0.312, P=.02; connection: r=-0.305, lack relatability: r=0.338, P=.01).These results indicate CBT apps, as AirHeart, potential reduce over short period. demonstrated avatars, does further above modules standard journal, tracking. elucidating relationship systems needed society becomes increasingly more digitized. These findings implications optimization designs.Open Science Framework t28gm; https://osf.io/t28gm.