Mobile App for Improving the Mental Health of Youth in Out-of-Home Care: Development Study Using an Intervention...

Area of Science:

• Digital mental health interventions
• Youth psychology
• Out-of-home care services

Background:

• Youth in out-of-home care face significant mental health issues due to unstable support systems.
• Trauma, neglect, and abuse exacerbate their vulnerability, particularly during the transition to independent living.
• Challenges include loneliness, anxiety, and pressure associated with self-sufficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly accessible mobile application for youth in out-of-home care.
• To support independent living and enhance mental health outcomes.
• To utilize the systematic intervention mapping (IM) framework for app development.

Main Methods:

• Employed a 6-step IM framework, integrating data from interviews and literature reviews.
• Developed a logical model, established program outcomes, and identified determinants of behavior change.
• Incorporated theoretical models (transtheoretical, social cognitive, elaboration likelihood) and evidence-based methods into app features.

Main Results:

• App features include goal setting, routine structuring, emotion regulation tools, and self-monitoring.
• Utilized transtheoretical model, social cognitive theory, and elaboration likelihood model in program design.
• An implementation and evaluation plan, including a randomized controlled trial, was established to assess impact.

Conclusions:

• The intervention mapping (IM) framework effectively guided the development of a supportive mobile app for vulnerable youth.
• The resulting app is theory- and evidence-based, addressing the specific needs of youth in out-of-home care.
• Further research is recommended to validate real-world effectiveness and refine the app based on user feedback.