Engagement with a cognitive behavioural therapy mobile phone app predicts changes in mental health and wellbeing: MoodMission

Abstract

ObjectiveThere is an abundance of evidence supporting the efficacy of computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), but few studies have evaluated mobile applications (apps) that provide CBT strategies. This study investigating the relationships between mental health outcomes and engagement with a mobile app that recommended short CBT strategies.MethodParticipants downloaded the MoodMission app from the iOS and Android app stores, completed in‐app baseline assessments, and final assessments 30-days later. Participants reported their mood to MoodMission when they were feeling low or anxious and received a list of short CBT strategies to choose from and engage in. Data from 617 assessment completers (71% female; M age = 27-years) were analysed via hierarchical and mediated regressions.ResultsApp engagement ratings predicted increases in mental wellbeing. Mediation analyses revealed that there were indirect effects of app engagement on depression, anxiety, and mental wellbeing via the mediator of coping self‐efficacy. Subsample analyses found this only for participants who were experiencing a moderate level of depression or anxiety at the time of the baseline assessment.ConclusionsEngaging with an app that provides CBT strategies can increase mental wellbeing, and coping self‐efficacy may mediate effects of the app in individuals experiencing moderate depression or anxiety.