In the last few years, there has been a growing number of mental health smartphone applications which has led many to an increased interest in how these tools might support users in different models of care. In particular, how they might support young adults due to the rise in the need for mental health services across college campuses. However, as a recent study developed by ADAPT Researcher Andreas Balaskas and colleagues notes, there has been limited research on the use of these interventions in real-world settings.
The study, titled Examining young adults daily perspectives on usage of anxiety apps: A user study, was published by Andreas Balaskas (ADAPT at Trinity College Dublin), as well as Stephen M. Schueller (University of California), Anna L. Cox (University College London), Chuck Rashleigh (Trinity College Dublin), and Gavin Doherty (ADAPT at Trinity College Dublin).
The study highlights the importance of understanding how apps are used in these settings particularly among groups where further mental health tools could add value to current models of care. According to the study, the aim is to “explore the daily use of commercially-available mobile apps for anxiety that integrate CBT, with a focus on understanding reasons for and barriers for app use and engagement”.
Read the full study here for more information.
