Journal article
Efficacy of the My Coping Plan mobile application in reducing distress: A randomised controlled trial
Clinical Psychologist, Vol.23(3), pp.206-212
2019
Abstract
Background: Mental health apps have the potential to decrease the burden of disease associated with mental illness. However, few apps have been evaluated for effectiveness. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the strengths-focused My Coping Plan app in improving mental health and coping. Methods: Participants were 56 Australian University students with self-reported elevated levels of distress (K10 total ≥16). Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention (My Coping Plan) or waitlist control condition. Results: At 1-month follow-up, participants in the intervention condition reported significantly lower psychological distress (d = 0.31), improved wellbeing (d = -0.42) and improved healthy coping strategies (d = 0.39) compared with the control condition. There was no significant difference between groups in reported unhealthy coping strategies. The majority of participants downloaded the app and made a coping plan. Just over half used their plan when they were distressed. Conclusions: The My Coping Plan app can improve mental health and wellbeing in the short-term, likely through increased self-efficacy. Professional support may be necessary to support long-term use of healthy coping strategies.
Details
- Title
- Efficacy of the My Coping Plan mobile application in reducing distress: A randomised controlled trial
- Authors
- Helen M Stallman (Corresponding Author) - University of South Australia
- Publication details
- Clinical Psychologist, Vol.23(3), pp.206-212
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
- Date published
- 2019
- DOI
- 10.1111/cp.12185
- ISSN
- 1328-4207
- Organisation Unit
- School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451372502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychology
- Psychology, Clinical
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