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Developing a Safety Planning Smartphone App to Support Adolescents' Self-Management During Emotional Crises
Tamara Großmann1,2, Jana Hörger1,2, Nadine Bayer1,2
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy II, University of Ulm and BKH Günzburg, 89073 Ulm, Germany.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|November 27, 2025
Summary
This study developed the emira-app, a smartphone-based safety planning tool for adolescent suicide prevention. The app incorporates user feedback to help young people manage emotional crises and integrate coping strategies into daily life.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Adolescent Psychology
- Digital Health
Background:
- Suicide is a significant cause of adolescent mortality, necessitating effective prevention strategies.
- Safety planning, a key intervention, is increasingly adapted for mobile platforms.
- Adolescent mental health services require accessible, tailored digital tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the perspectives of adolescents, parents, and practitioners on smartphone-based safety planning.
- To describe the development of an age-tailored mobile application for adolescent suicide prevention.
- To identify stakeholder needs for app content, customization, and integration into daily routines.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study in Germany (2023-2024) utilizing focus groups with adolescents, parents, and practitioners.
- Adolescents (14-21 years) had recent suicidal ideation and prior safety planning experience.
- Data analysis employed Kuckartz's qualitative content analysis.
Main Results:
- Stakeholders reported diverse requirements for app features, including content, settings, and personalization.
- The emira-app was developed incorporating these insights and relevant theories.
- The app features an interactive safety plan, a digital HopeBox, and a diary for daily integration.
Conclusions:
- The participatory development of the emira-app addressed key stakeholder needs for adolescent suicide prevention.
- This multi-component safety planning app aims to support adolescents in self-managing emotional crises.
- The emira-app's design facilitates integration into users' daily lives, enhancing accessibility and engagement.
Keywords:
adolescentadolescent psychiatrymental healthmobile applicationssafety planningself-managementsuicidal ideationsuicide preventionMore Related Videos
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