CompletedInterventional

Helping people manage anxiety and depression using mindfulness and emotional awareness through smartphone-based support

This study is looking into how a smartphone app and certain goal-setting methods can help people better manage feelings of anxiety and depression. It's part of a bigger project aiming to understand what helps people achieve their everyday goals. Researchers are testing a strategy that might boost motivation and goal-setting skills. You'd use a mobile app to track your mood and activities throughout the day. The main aim is to make sure this process is user-friendly and effective for participants before a larger study begins. If you're over 18, live in the UK, and have anxiety or depression, you might be able to take part, as long as you're not currently having therapy or taking mental health medication.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University College London

Enrolment target

Start

03 Mar 2024

Estimated completion

12 Jan 2025

Depression, anxiety

What is this study about?

Imagine being able to take control of your mood and set helpful goals using just your smartphone. That's what this study is exploring! Researchers at University College London are investigating how a special app combined with specific goal-setting techniques can support people who are experiencing anxiety or depression.

The main idea is to help you better understand what motivates you and how to achieve your everyday goals. The study will involve using a mobile app on your smartphone to record how you're feeling and what you're doing throughout the day. This helps the researchers learn more about how daily life affects your mood and goals. They want to make sure the app and the process are easy to use and helpful before they run a bigger study with more people.

This isn't about finding a cure, but about giving you practical tools to manage your feelings and improve your wellbeing. By understanding how these strategies work in daily life, the researchers hope to develop new ways to support people's mental health in the future.

Key takeaways

It's a University College London study on using a smartphone app to manage anxiety and depression.
You'll learn new goal-setting skills and use an app for 28 days.
Short app questions (less than 1 minute) are asked six times a day.
You must be over 18, have anxiety/depression, but not be in therapy or on mental health medication.
Potential benefits include learning new coping strategies and a payment for participating.
Your data will be kept secure and private.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and live in the UK. You'll also need to have your own smartphone (either Android or Apple) that you can use, and be able to read and understand English. The study is particularly for people who are currently feeling symptoms of anxiety or depression, and are registered with a GP in the UK.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you are currently receiving talking therapies (like counselling or psychotherapy) or if you are taking medication for your mental health, you won't be eligible. Also, if you've recently had thoughts about harming yourself, this study won't be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you live in the UK?
Do you currently experience symptoms of anxiety or depression?
Do you own and use a personal smartphone (Android or iPhone)?
Are you currently NOT receiving talking therapy (like counselling)?
Are you currently NOT taking medication for your mental health?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first answer some questions online about how you feel, your habits, and your background. Then, you'll learn a new way to set goals effectively. This will either be through a short online chat with a researcher or by following a step-by-step guide.

For 28 days (about four weeks), you'll use a special mobile app on your phone. Six times a day, the app will ask you a few short questions – each set takes less than a minute to answer. You'll get reminders to use the new goal-setting strategy and to tell the app how it's working for you. The app will also quietly collect some information like your movement and location, which helps researchers understand your daily routine. You won't need to travel anywhere, but you'll need regular internet or mobile data access for your phone throughout the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you some benefits. You might learn a new technique that helps you feel more motivated and better able to achieve your goals. At the end, you'll receive a special report showing you what helps or hinders your own goal setting. You'll also be entered into a prize draw for a £50 voucher, and if you complete most of the app questionnaires (at least 80%), you'll receive £20. The main commitment is the time it takes to answer the short daily questions for 28 days. You might also become more aware of your own feelings and habits, which some people might find a little uncomfortable at times. All your personal information collected online will be kept safe and private. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

University College London
Approximate
london, England

Common questions

What is the m-path app?

The m-path app is a special mobile application designed for this study. It will deliver short questionnaires to your phone throughout the day to track your mood and activities, and help you use the goal-setting strategies.

How much of my time will this study take?

The main time commitment is spent over 28 days. During this period, you'll answer six very short questionnaires on your phone each day, with each one taking less than a minute. There's also an initial set of longer questionnaires and a session to learn the goal-setting strategy.

Will I have to travel for this study?

No, all parts of this study can be completed from your own home using your smartphone and an internet connection. No travel is required.

Will I get paid for taking part?

You will be entered into a prize draw for a £50 voucher. If you complete at least 80% of the app questionnaires, you will also receive £20 as a thank you for your commitment.

Is my personal information kept private?

Yes, all your data will be collected online, and the researchers at University College London will take careful steps to make sure your information is kept secure and confidential.

How to find out more

Ciarán O'Driscoll

c.odriscoll@ucl.ac.uk +44 (0) 20 7679 2000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.