Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Mobile App-Based Stress-Management Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Won Ju Hwang and Hyun Hee Jo
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Won Ju Hwang: College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyunghee-Daero, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul 02447, Korea
Hyun Hee Jo: College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyunghee-Daero, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul 02447, Korea

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-13

Abstract: Improving mental healthcare using mobile apps might be an effective way to increase interest in mental health and respond to the demand for better psychological health. However, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of app-based stress-management programs. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an app-based stress-management program. A non-equivalent comparison group pretest-posttest design was used. Participants were randomized into the experimental ( n = 26) and control ( n = 30) groups. The experimental group used an application developed for workers for four weeks. The results indicated that stress, emotional labor, self-efficacy, and well-being were significantly different in the experimental group, but the control group’s average scores did not change significantly. On average, the Perceived Stress Scale scores decreased by 1.5 points ( p = 0.035) and the Korean Occupational Stress Scale scores decreased by 0.87 points ( p = 0.4). However, depression and anxiety were not significantly different. Emotional labor decreased by 0.16 points ( p = 0.027), and well-being and self-efficacy mean scores increased by 0.492 ( p = 0.005) and 0.162 ( p = 0.025), respectively. These findings support the developed application’s value for promoting mental health and healthy lifestyles. Further research and supplementation are needed for the application’s sustainability.

Keywords: stress management; mental health; mobile health app; mobile mental wellness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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