An App-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program Tailored for College Students: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Background: Technology-based cognitive behavioral therapy programs are accessible interventions to address mental health challenges, particularly among college students. Despite their potential, low adherence rates remain a key challenge.

Objective: This study aims to assess the effects of the tailored content and gamification elements of the Mind Booster Green program on reducing depressive symptoms and improving college life adjustment.

Methods: A randomized, unblinded controlled trial was conducted among college students. All study procedures were conducted remotely using web-based tools. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or waitlist control groups. The intervention group used Mind Booster Green, an app-based self-help cognitive behavioral therapy program for 1 month. The program included tailored case stories and gamification elements, such as point and level systems, to enhance user engagement and adherence. Outcomes were self-assessed using web-based questionnaires and included changes in depressive symptoms, college life adjustment, and negative and positive automatic thoughts. The usability of the app was also evaluated. Outcomes were measured at 3 time points: preintervention, postintervention, and at a 2-month follow-up (F/U), using validated and standardized tools.

Results: A total of 170 individuals (mean age 22.60, SD 3.37 years; 136/170, 80% female) participated in the study. A chi-square analysis revealed no significant differences between the two groups at baseline in terms of age, sex, or class year (P>.05). A generalized estimating equation analysis revealed significant time×group interactions for all variables. Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed greater improvements across all outcomes, with between-group effect sizes ranging from -0.78 to 0.49. For derpessive symptoms, large within-group effect size were observed (Patient Health Questionnaire-9: pre to post, Cohen d=1.12; pre to F/U, Cohen d=1.15; Beck Depression Inventory-II: pre to post, Cohen d=0.90; pre to F/U, Cohen d=1.04). Large within-group effect size was also found for adjustment to college life (Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire-Revised: pre to post, Cohen d=-0.87; pre to F/U, Cohen d=-0.85), and moderate effect for negative automatic thoughts (Automatic Thought Questionnaire-Negative, Short Form: pre to post, Cohen d=0.36; pre to F/U, Cohen d=0.58) and positive automatic thoughts (Automatic Thought Questionnaire-Positive, Short Form: pre to post, Cohen d=-0.45; pre to F/U, Cohen d=-0.44). Adherence rates were 89% and 99% for the intervention and control groups, respectively. The usability test results, assessed using the Mobile App Rating Scale, showed an overall score of 3.88, with scores above the medium level in the engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality categories.

Conclusions: Mind Booster Green demonstrated substantial potential as a complementary interventio to traditional psychological services for college students, providing a cost-effective and scalable solution for mental health issues. Future research should explore the applicability of this program in diverse populations.