Mental health apps show promise but need to be evidence-based.
A variety of mental health apps exist, but the majority have not been evaluated for effectiveness. Australian researchers conducted a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a strengths focused app, ‘My Coping Plan’ in improving mental health and coping among 56 Australian university students with self-reported elevated psychological distress (K10 total >16). The app assists users to develop a healthy coping plan to manage distress and other negative emotions. Users can also learn about coping and healthy coping strategies, including sleep, nutrition, physical activity and pleasurable events. After using the app for one month participants in the intervention group reported significantly lower psychological distress, improved wellbeing and improved use of healthy coping strategies compared to participants in a waitlist control group. There was no difference between groups in reported use of unhealthy coping strategies. It was concluded that the app can improve mental health and wellbeing in the short-term, probably through increased self-efficacy. Some people may need professional support to sustain healthy coping strategies over the long-term.
doi.org/10.1111/cp.12185
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