RecruitingInterventional

Effectiveness and public health impact of SELFIE, a blended ecological momentary intervention for improving self-esteem in young people

This research is looking at a new program called SELFIE, designed to help young people aged 14 to 25. These young people have often experienced difficult things in childhood and are now struggling with their self-esteem and mental well-being. The study wants to see if SELFIE, which involves activities on an app and sessions with a mental health professional, can make a real difference in how they feel about themselves over time. Participants will come from several European countries, including the UK. Half of them will try the SELFIE program for six weeks, while others will continue with their usual care. Everyone will complete questionnaires and a digital mood diary for a year. The goal is to find an effective way to improve mental health for this group.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Central Institute of Mental Health

Enrolment target

448

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2027

Mental health problems

What is this study about?

This study is about understanding and improving how young people feel about themselves, especially if they've had tough times growing up. Many young people who face difficult childhood experiences can later struggle with low self-esteem and mental health challenges. This research looks at whether a new program, simply called SELFIE, can help them feel better and more confident over time. Think of SELFIE as a blend of online tools and personal support.

The research wants to see just how effective the SELFIE program is in the real world and what kind of broader impact it could have on public health. They’ll be looking at whether participating in SELFIE can truly boost self-esteem and make a lasting positive difference to mental well-being for participants aged 14 to 25.

By carefully comparing a group that tries SELFIE with a group that continues with their usual care, the scientists hope to learn if this program is a good way to give young people the tools they need to improve their mental health and self-esteem. This could potentially help many young people across Europe to lead happier, healthier lives.

Key takeaways

Targets young people (14-25) with low self-esteem after tough childhood experiences.
Tests the 'SELFIE' program: app activities + professional support.
Participants are randomly assigned to SELFIE or usual care for fair results.
Involves questionnaires and a digital mood diary over 12 months.
Potential benefits include improved mental health and self-esteem with no known health risks.
The study takes place in the UK and other European countries.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a young person between 14 and 25 years old. It’s for those who have experienced difficult or upsetting events in childhood, such as emotional neglect, bullying, or conflict at home. You also need to be feeling quite distressed right now and have low self-esteem, which means you don't feel very good about yourself.

You should also be willing to take part and be able to understand what the study involves before you agree to join. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian will also need to give their permission. The study is open to people in several countries, including the UK, and you will need to be able to speak the main language of your country.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your mental health issues are caused by a specific physical health problem, or if you have a severe learning disability that makes it hard to understand information. You also need to be able to use a smartphone for some parts of the study, and it's not suitable for anyone who is currently at serious risk of harming themselves or others.

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 between 14 and 25 years old?
Have you experienced difficult things in your childhood?
Are you currently feeling quite distressed and have low self-esteem?
Are you able to speak English and use a smartphone?
Are you willing to participate and for those under 18, would your parents consent?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to complete some questionnaires and keep a digital mood diary on your phone. You'll do this at the start of the study, and then again after 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. This helps the researchers understand how you're feeling over time.

Then, by chance, you’ll be put into one of two groups. One group will get to try the SELFIE training program for six weeks. This involves using a smartphone app for different activities and having three sessions with a mental health professional. The other group will continue with the care they usually receive.

No matter which group you're in, the total study will last for 12 months. Throughout this time, you'll complete those surveys and mood diary entries at the different checkpoints mentioned.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer some potential benefits. You could find your mental health improves, your self-esteem gets a boost, and your overall well-being feels better. The SELFIE program is designed to help you with these areas. The good news is that there are no known health risks associated with taking part in this study. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (7)

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Birmingham, England
Central Institute of Mental Health
City only
Mannheim, Germany
University Maastricht
Approximate
Maastricht, Netherlands
Amsterdam UMC
Approximate
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Provincia Lombardo Veneta - Ordine Ospedaliero Di San Giovanni Di Dio- Fatebenefratelli
City only
Brescia, Italy
Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón
Unverified
Madrid, Spain
Mittetulundusuhing Peaasjad
Unverified
Tallinn, Estonia

Common questions

What is the SELFIE program?

SELFIE is a program that uses an app with activities and support from a mental health professional for six weeks, aiming to help young people improve their self-esteem and mental well-being.

Will I definitely get the SELFIE program?

You'll be randomly chosen for either the SELFIE program or to continue with your usual care. This fair process helps the researchers get reliable results.

How long will I be involved in the study?

If you join, you'll be part of the study for a total of 12 months, completing check-ins at four different times during that year.

Is my information kept private?

The study aims to protect your privacy. Your answers to questionnaires and diary entries will be handled carefully and confidentially.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is being funded and sponsored by the Central Institute of Mental Health, which is in Germany.

How to find out more

Anita Schick

anita.schick@zi-mannheim.de 4962117031941 Official trial record

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