Analysis of cognitive behavioural therapy apps for generalised anxiety disorder: Evidence-based content and user experience

Teresa Munteanu; Lee Kannis-Dymand; Prudence Millear; Monique T Jones

doi:10.5817/CP2024-4-6

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Analysis of cognitive behavioural therapy apps for generalised anxiety disorder: Evidence-based content and user experience

Journal article

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Analysis of cognitive behavioural therapy apps for generalised anxiety disorder: Evidence-based content and user experience

Teresa Munteanu, Lee Kannis-Dymand, Prudence Millear and Monique T Jones

Cyberpsychology, Vol.18(4), pp.1-20

2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5817/CP2024-4-6

Appears in Thompson Institute Research Collection

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Abstract

GAD

CBT

mobile apps

user experience

Thompson Institute Special Collection

Stress related disorders trauma

UniSC Diversity Area - Disability and Inclusion

Analysis of cognitive behavioural therapy apps for generalised anxiety disorder: Evidence-based content and user experience. Abstract Mental illness substantially contributes to the global burden of disease, with anxiety high in prevalence. The increase of mobile technology, mental health apps have potential to lessen this burden. However, within apps, the use of evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are limited. Regardless, many commercially available mental health apps are highly rated by users, highlighting the need to understand what makes mental health apps valuable to the user. The contribution of this study was to uncover apps that support generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and worry with a CBT basis, explore app functionality, and user experience. Firstly, by identifying apps that support GAD and worry and included CBT. Secondly, by identifying and analysing therapeutic and engagement functions within the apps, and finally, by thematically analysing user reviews. Six apps were identified to support GAD and worry that purported to be CBT-based. However, CBT therapeutic features and engagement features were minimally present in the apps. User reviews yielded 112 comments about the apps and key themes were identified about the app users' global experiences with the app, and about the combination of technological (e.g., useability, reliability) and therapeutic experiences (e.g., learning and using skills). Future development of quality apps to support GAD and worry must consider the empirical standing of both therapeutic and technology aspects, to provide efficacious and engaging interventions.

Details

Title: Analysis of cognitive behavioural therapy apps for generalised anxiety disorder: Evidence-based content and user experience
Authors: Teresa Munteanu (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Education and Tertiary Access
Lee Kannis-Dymand (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Psychology
Prudence Millear (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Psychology
Monique T Jones (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
Publication details: Cyberpsychology, Vol.18(4), pp.1-20
Publisher: Masarykova Univerzita, Fakulta Socialnich Studii
Date published: 2024
DOI: 10.5817/CP2024-4-6
ISSN: 1802-7962
Copyright note: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Copyright © 2024 Teresa Munteanu, Lee Kannis-Dymand, Prudence Millear, Monique Jones.
Organisation Unit: Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Education and Tertiary Access; Thompson Institute; School of Health - Psychology; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991064798802621
Output Type: Journal article

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