Human-centered design of a digital coping intervention for children experiencing post-separation interparental...

Children exposed to high levels of post-separation interparental conflict (IPC) are at elevated risk for mental health, behavioral, and academic difficulties. Although coping-focused interventions show promise, broad dissemination requires optimization for effectiveness, affordability, scalability, and engagement. This study applied a human-centered design (HCD) approach to inform the development of a digital coping intervention for children exposed to IPC by evaluating the acceptability, usability, and contextual fit of an early prototype.

We conducted qualitative interviews with 20 family law professionals, 15 separated parents, and 11 children; design surveys with 11 children; and user testing sessions with 7 professionals, 6 parents, and 5 children. Data were analyzed using a combination of deductive and inductive coding and thematic analysis to identify design priorities, incorporate feedback on design decisions, and evaluate prototype modules.

Across stakeholder groups, participants emphasized the importance of a program that is trustworthy, engaging, developmentally appropriate, accessible to diverse families, and safe and private for children. They highlighted the value of features that fostered children's feelings of hope, reassurance, validation, and empowerment to cope with and navigate IPC. User testing demonstrated high perceived usability and acceptability of the prototype, while also identifying specific areas for refinement related to clarity, pacing, and customization.

Findings provide an empirical foundation for the continued development of a digital coping intervention to promote mental health among children exposed to IPC. This study demonstrates how HCD methods can align intervention design and contexts of intended users in court-adjacent prevention programs.