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Abstract
BackgroundAdolescence can be a fertile time for relationship issues, with interpersonal conflict being a risk factor for poor mental health. Mobile app interventions may have a significant appeal to young people in assisting with relationship distress. However, currently available apps have not been formally evaluated. Youths’ perspectives on engaging with mobile technology to assist with relationships are also unknown.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine adolescents’ attitudes toward the concept of a mobile phone app for relationship help and support, and whether they would be likely to use such an intervention.MethodsA cross-sectional Web survey consisting of 42 questions, including 13 free responses, was delivered. The proposed app, including character vignettes, was presented, and participants were asked to indicate whether they had experienced the same relationship issues, whether their peers would relate to the issues, and how helpful they found the proposed advice. Participants were also asked to provide their own suggestions for help, which were analyzed using thematic analyses.ResultsA total of 150 adolescents (aged 15 to 18) participated. Overall, 60.7% (91/150) were likely to use an app for relationship problems, and this was not associated with demographics or social support (all P values >.05). Likelihood of app usage was found to be influenced by perceived need for help, personal beliefs about app effectiveness, and whether the app is engaging and easy to use. Overall, adolescents were receptive of the proposed content with an average of 99.3% (149/150), rating the strategies provided as somewhat to very helpful.ConclusionsAdolescents were likely to use a mobile phone app for relationship support, and use was not influenced by gender, age, social support, or any other background characteristic. Instead, likely use was influenced by need, personal beliefs, usability, and the appropriateness of app content. App developers must address these factors if the app is to have a wide-scale uptake.
Highlights
Across the lifespan, relationships are important to well-being [1]
60.7% (91/150) were likely to use an app for relationship problems, and this was not associated with demographics or social support
Adolescents were likely to use a mobile phone app for relationship support, and use was not influenced by gender, age, social support, or any other background characteristic
Summary
Relationships are important to well-being [1]. Relationships generate social support that helps individuals to buffer psychological distress and prevents maladaptive coping [2,3]. Positive relationships are highly protective against a range of poor health outcomes [4], including mental illness [5]. Adolescence is an active phase of relationship development [6,7,8]. During this time, young people manage the desire for peer interaction and approval, with an increasing independence from the family. Adolescence can be a fertile time for relationship issues, with interpersonal conflict being a risk factor for poor mental health. Mobile app interventions may have a significant appeal to young people in assisting with relationship distress. Youths’ perspectives on engaging with mobile technology to assist with relationships are unknown
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