Improving mental health during crisis: Outcomes from the EMERALD online lifestyle medicine and coaching program

Monique Jones; Paul E. Schwenn; Alexandra P. Metse; Andrew Watkins; Daniel F. Hermens; Christina Driver

doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119131

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Improving mental health during crisis: Outcomes from the EMERALD online lifestyle medicine and coaching program

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Improving mental health during crisis: Outcomes from the EMERALD online lifestyle medicine and coaching program

Monique Jones, Paul E. Schwenn, Alexandra P. Metse, Andrew Watkins, Daniel F. Hermens and Christina Driver

Social Science & Medicine, Vol.397, pp.1-10

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119131

PMID: 41785656

Appears in COVID-19 Research

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Abstract

lifestyle medicine

health coaching

telehealth

mental health

psychological wellbeing

COVID-19

depression

anxiety

early intervention

general population

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted growing demand on mental health services and the need for scalable early interventions. Lifestyle medicine is a first-line treatment for common mental health disorders. Combining health coaching with lifestyle medicine and online delivery may improve accessibility and effectiveness. This study evaluated the EMERALD program, an 8-week online lifestyle medicine and health coaching intervention delivered as a clinical service during the pandemic. A single arm, pre–post observational design was used, with assessments completed at baseline (week 1) and post-intervention (week 8). Eighty-five adults (M_age = 46.47, SD = 15.47) completed all outcome measures; most participants identified as female (83.5%). Eligible community participants reported mild to moderate anxiety or mood symptoms (PHQ-9 < 14; GAD-7 < 14). Individuals with severe symptoms, suicide risk, or current engagement in psychological or psychiatric treatment were excluded. Depression, anxiety, wellbeing, loneliness, and functioning across life domains (e.g., occupational, social, daily responsibilities) were assessed using validated self-report measures. Significant improvements were observed across all measures, with greater wellbeing gains among those with higher baseline depression severity. These findings support the benefits of online mental health coaching and lifestyle medicine interventions for improving psychological wellbeing during periods of elevated need.

Details

Title: Improving mental health during crisis: Outcomes from the EMERALD online lifestyle medicine and coaching program
Authors: Monique Jones (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
Paul E. Schwenn - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
Alexandra P. Metse - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
Andrew Watkins - Mindgardens Neuroscience Network
Daniel F. Hermens - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
Christina Driver - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
Publication details: Social Science & Medicine, Vol.397, pp.1-10
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119131
ISSN: 1873-5347; 0277-9536
PMID: 41785656
Data Availability: Data will be made available on request.
Organisation Unit: Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Health; Thompson Institute; School of Health - Psychology
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991212664802621
Output Type: Journal article

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