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A Mobile-Based Intervention to Increase Self-esteem in Students With Depressive Symptoms: Randomized Controlled Trial
Alina Bruhns1, Thies Lüdtke1, Steffen Moritz1
1University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.
JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth
|July 13, 2021
Summary
A smartphone app effectively reduced depressive symptoms and improved self-esteem in students. This digital intervention offers a promising, accessible mental health solution for students facing treatment gaps.
Area of Science:
- Digital mental health interventions
- Student mental health
- Psychological interventions
Background:
- Depressive symptoms are a growing global concern among students.
- Traditional treatments like psychotherapy do not reach all students in need.
- Internet- and mobile-based interventions show potential to bridge this treatment gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness, acceptance, and side effects of the self-help smartphone app MCT & More.
- To investigate the app's impact on depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and quality of life in students.
- To examine how treatment expectations and attitudes influence adherence and effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with 400 students.
- Intervention group received the MCT & More app for 4 weeks; control group was wait-listed.
- Primary outcome: depression (PHQ-9); Secondary outcomes: self-esteem and quality of life.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms and increases in self-esteem compared to the control group.
- High app usage was observed (75.8% used at least weekly).
- Positive attitudes and outcome expectations correlated with higher app usage.
Conclusions:
- The MCT & More smartphone app is effective for reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing self-esteem in students.
- The app serves as a valuable, low-threshold digital intervention for student mental health.
- Digital interventions like MCT & More can significantly improve student well-being.
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