Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health最新文献

{"title":"Randomized controlled trial on feedback-informed internet-delivered psychodynamic therapy for adolescents with depression: A trial that failed to recruit enough participants","authors":"Björn Philips ,&nbsp;Jakob Mechler ,&nbsp;Carl-Johan Uckelstam ,&nbsp;Gerhard Andersson ,&nbsp;Per Carlbring ,&nbsp;Julian Edbrook-Childs ,&nbsp;Fredrik Falkenström ,&nbsp;Robert Johansson ,&nbsp;Peter Lilliengren ,&nbsp;Katja Lindert Bergsten ,&nbsp;Nick Midgley ,&nbsp;Rolf Sandell ,&nbsp;Agneta Thorén ,&nbsp;Naira Topooco ,&nbsp;Randi Ulberg ,&nbsp;Karin Lindqvist","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100923","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100923","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Internet-delivered psychodynamic therapy (IPDT) has been found to be effective for adolescents with depression in previous randomized controlled trials. The present study aimed to evaluate an adaptive, feedback-informed version of IPDT, designed to improve outcomes for participants identified early as at risk of non-response.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A randomized controlled trial targeting adolescents aged 15–19 years with mild to moderate major depressive disorder. Participants were recruited through social media, national and local advertising, schools, and user organizations. After three weeks of standard IPDT, participants classified as at risk by a prediction algorithm were randomized to either adapted or standard treatment. The planned sample size was 240 participants. Despite extensive nationwide recruitment efforts during 2024, only 35 participants were enrolled before the study was discontinued.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Recruitment difficulties were primarily due to recent European Union regulations prohibiting profiling-based online advertising for minors, which eliminated access to previously effective social media recruitment channels. Participants who completed treatment showed significant pre- to post-treatment improvements in depressive symptoms (<em>d</em> = 1.08), anxiety (<em>d</em> = 0.74), and emotion regulation (<em>d</em> = 0.79). The predictive algorithm showed promising results in classifying patients as responders or non-responders.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Although the trial was underpowered, the findings provide promising within-group effects and valuable lessons for future digital mental health research involving minors. New recruitment infrastructures that comply with data protection laws are needed to ensure feasibility of online psychotherapy trials. Continued development of adaptive, feedback-informed IPDT for adolescents with depression is needed.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div><span><span>ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> Identifier: <span><span>NCT06193772</span><svg><path></path></svg></span></div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100923"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147356239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A methodological proof-of-concept of a data-driven, personalized, blended digital health intervention for suicidal thoughts and behaviors: A case series","authors":"Kevin S. Kuehn ,&nbsp;Lindsey S. Aguilar ,&nbsp;Katherine T. Foster ,&nbsp;Raeanne C. Moore ,&nbsp;Colin A. Depp","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100917","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100917","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) are a leading cause of death in the United States. Individuals at high-risk for suicide vary greatly in their precedents to STBs, which hinders suicide prevention strategies. Personalized approaches to mapping individualized precedents to suicide ideation might increase the impact and efficiency of treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The present study describes a personalized, blended digital health treatment that uses idiographic network models derived from ecological momentary assessment to inform treatment targets (PeRsonalizEd Clinical Intervention for Suicide Events; PRECISE). PRECISE includes skills from dialectical behavior therapy and safety planning, two existing evidence-based treatments. In this case series, participants (<em>N</em> = 5) at high-risk for suicide and completed a 6-week treatment which included 5×/day ecological momentary assessments as well as weekly coaching sessions. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and six-weeks post-treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the intent-to treat sample, three of the five participants (60%) completed the full treatment protocol. Participants attended an average of 4.4 coaching sessions (73.3%), adherence was excellent (98%), and satisfaction was also high (4.2 out of 5). The severity of suicidal thoughts and behaviors were reduced at both post-treatment and the 6-week follow-up (d_zs = −1.33 to −2.00).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>PRECISE is an example of a blended digital health interventions that capitalizes on time series data to personalize interventions for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Incorporating real-time data and idiographic models to inform clinical decision making are promising tools to improve suicide care. Lessons learned and future directions for implementation are discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100917"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147356271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predicting the path to guided ICBT success across referral pathway for moderate depression and anxiety disorders","authors":"Jill Bjarke ,&nbsp;Rolf Gjestad ,&nbsp;Tine Nordgreen","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100907","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100907","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Depression and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and burdensome conditions. Guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (guided ICBT) is an effective treatment option, yet outcome prediction has shown inconsistent results. By analyzing patient-, treatment-, and system-related predictors within a single integrative framework, we aim to support a more nuanced understanding of what works for whom in which context.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Naturalistic, open predictor-study in routine care comparing symptom reduction from pre-treatment (Pre) to post-treatment (Post), and from Pre to 6-month follow-up (FU), across general practitioner (GP) and self-referral pathways for depression and anxiety disorders. Patients self-reported symptoms Pre, Post, and FU. Symptom severity and change over time were assessed transdiagnostically applying a harmonized outcome score. Patient-related predictors were gender, age, education, employment status, duration of illness, and social support, while treatment-related predictors were treatment credibility and self-efficacy. The system-related predictor was referral pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the total sample (<em>N</em> = 460, GP = 305, Self-referred = 155), almost all patient-, treatment- and system-related predictors were associated with symptom reduction over time measured at Post and FU. Referral pathway statistically significant moderated the associations between most predictors and symptom reduction.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Using a novel integrative approach, we identified unique adjusted associations between predictors across patient-, treatment-, and system-related predictors and symptom reduction in guided ICBT. Referral pathway moderated their relevance, underscoring the importance of contextual factors in shaping treatment response in routine care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100907"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An internet-based cognitive-behavioral self-management intervention for patients with hand osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia – Two randomized controlled trials","authors":"Jessy A. Terpstra ,&nbsp;Sylvia van Beugen ,&nbsp;Rosalie van der Vaart ,&nbsp;Roxy A. van Eersel ,&nbsp;Elise Dusseldorp ,&nbsp;Margreet Kloppenburg ,&nbsp;Andrea W.M. Evers","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100908","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100908","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases have a high burden. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a therapist-guided internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) on pain coping and secondary physical, psychological, and disease impact outcomes in hand osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Two single-center, parallel-group, superiority randomized controlled trials were performed. In one study, 70 adults with hand osteoarthritis visiting a Dutch hospital were randomized to care-as-usual or care-as-usual plus iCBT (each group <em>n</em> = 35; <span><span>ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>: <span><span>NCT05872633</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>). In another study, 70 adults with fibromyalgia visiting a Dutch fibromyalgia-specialized center were randomized to iCBT (<em>n</em> = 34) or a waitlist (<em>n</em> = 36; <span><span>ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>: <span><span>NCT06322485</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>). Standardized self-report questionnaires were used at baseline, post-intervention, 6-week, and 3-month follow-up and analyzed with statistician-masked intention-to-treat linear mixed models. The primary endpoint was pain coping at post-intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In patients with hand osteoarthritis (mean age = 62.4 ± 7.6), no between-group effect on pain coping was found at post-intervention (<em>p</em> = 0.187; Cohen's <em>d</em> = 0.14), while a small to medium effect favored iCBT at 6-week follow-up (<em>p</em> = 0.039; <em>d</em> = 0.41). In patients with fibromyalgia (mean age = 46.4 ± 11.8), a medium to large improvement in pain coping favoring iCBT at post-intervention (<em>p</em> = 0.003; <em>d</em> = 0.60) was not sustained at follow-up. Between-group small to large improvements were found in secondary outcomes (e.g., well-being, osteoarthritis disability, fibromyalgia pain and impact), predominantly at 3-month follow-up (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.047; 0.30 ≤ <em>d</em> ≤ 0.98).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>ICBT improved pain coping in fibromyalgia at the primary endpoint, whereas the hand osteoarthritis trial was negative at the primary endpoint. Exploratory secondary findings suggest potential benefits for both conditions but warrant replication, particularly in subgroups with a high disease impact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100908"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of an Internet-based digital storytelling intervention on depression literacy, stigma, and help-seeking attitudes among university students: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Ömer Özer","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100910","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100910","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of an internet-based digital storytelling intervention (DST) on depression literacy, stigma, and help-seeking attitudes among first-year university students. A total of 261 students (63.6% female, Mage = 19.8) were randomly assigned to the DST intervention (<em>n</em> = 119) or a control group (<em>n</em> = 142). The intervention consisted of five short narrative-based videos portraying lived experiences with depression, viewed over a four-week period. Self-report measures of depression literacy, stigma, social stigma regarding help-seeking, and attitudes toward seeking psychological help were collected at baseline, post-test, and three-month follow-up. Compared to the control group, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in depression literacy (η²_p = 0.03) and help-seeking attitudes (η²_p = 0.04), with effects sustained at follow-up. No significant effects were found for reductions in general stigma or perceived social stigma. Exploratory analyses indicated that increases in depression literacy were associated with more positive attitudes toward professional help. Findings suggest that internet-based digital storytelling can effectively enhance depression literacy and promote help-seeking intentions among first-year students, although its impact on stigma appears limited. Future research should investigate tailoring interventions with demographically relevant narratives and stigma-focused content to maximize effectiveness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100910"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147356351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Benefits, limitations and potential solutions for defining good practices in Online Counselling Chat Services for Youth","authors":"Irati Higuera-Lozano ,&nbsp;Ana M. Ramirez ,&nbsp;Noortje Breugelmans ,&nbsp;Elke Denayer ,&nbsp;Alexis Dewaele ,&nbsp;Katalin Felvinczi ,&nbsp;Lien Goossens ,&nbsp;Zsuzsa Kaló ,&nbsp;Tuuli Pitkänen ,&nbsp;Mónika Rényi ,&nbsp;Virvatuli Uusimäki ,&nbsp;María Cabello","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100902","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100902","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Online Chat Counselling Services (OCCS) provide accessible mental health support for young people. However, systematic, cross-cultural research from the perspective of service providers is needed to improve current practices, guide future development, and share best practices.</div></div><div><h3>Aims</h3><div>This study explores the experiences of OCCS providers and counsellors in four European countries, identifying benefits, limitations, and potential solutions to improve services and inform future best practices.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>62 counsellors or chatline coordinators from 33 OCCS in Belgium, Finland, Hungary, and Spain were interviewed online. A thematic analysis of the outputs from these interviews focused on the benefits, limitations and proposed solutions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Most of the participants were female (80 %). Nearly half of the services (48 %) worked with both paid counsellors and volunteers. Eighteen percent of OCCSs did not request any user information at login. In almost half of the OCCSs, counsellors were able to see whether a user had made contact previously. Six key benefits of OCCS were identified: improved accessibility, anonymity-facilitated disclosure, future-oriented services, chat-based communication advantages, positive counsellor experience, and meaningful user support. Five main limitations emerged: unclear communication, limited resources, anonymity as a barrier, uncertainty-related negative perceptions, and low visibility and utilisation. Proposed solutions included conventional strategies (e.g., enhanced training, referrals, inter-service collaboration) and innovative approaches (e.g., AI integration for risk assessment, translation, and chatbot functionalities). Certain limitations were considered intrinsic to the OCCS model and accepted accordingly.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study explored the experiences of a diverse group of counsellors to identify the key benefits, challenges, and potential solutions within OCCS. The proposed strategies provide a valuable foundation for the cross-national implementation of best practices in this field. Future research should evaluate these recommendations, incorporating the perspectives of service users.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100902"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustained engagement with a digital youth mental health platform: A mixed-methods study","authors":"Lee Valentine ,&nbsp;Jennifer Nicholas ,&nbsp;Rory Sorenson ,&nbsp;Nicola A. Chen ,&nbsp;Carla McEnery ,&nbsp;Shona Louis ,&nbsp;Shane Cross ,&nbsp;Shaminka N. Mangelsdorf ,&nbsp;Shaunagh O'Sullivan ,&nbsp;Thomas W. Wren ,&nbsp;Sandra Bucci ,&nbsp;John Gleeson ,&nbsp;Sarah Bendall ,&nbsp;Mario Alvarez-Jimenez","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100899","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100899","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Digital mental health interventions offer a scalable means of expanding access to youth mental health care. However, their capacity to achieve population-level impact is limited by persistently low and varied user engagement. A more nuanced understanding of experiential factors associated with sustained engagement is needed to inform the design of digital interventions that are both clinically effective and engaging to young people.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To identify experiential factors associated with sustained engagement with a large-scale, real-world digital youth mental health platform implemented across Australian youth mental health services.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A convergent mixed-methods approach integrated platform usage data and qualitative interviews with young people aged 16–25 years (mean = 19; <em>n</em> = 36) classified as either high or low engagers. The sample comprised 53 % female, 31 % male, and 8 % trans and/or gender diverse; 3 % identified as First Nations, and 19 % as culturally and linguistically diverse. Most participants lived in metropolitan areas (82 %), with 8 % from regional locations. Interview transcripts were thematically coded for experiential features of engagement. Code presence was quantified and tested for association with engagement level (high vs low) using Fisher's exact test. Themes were then iteratively refined, with explicit consideration of experiential patterns significantly associated with engagement.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Two experiential factors were significantly associated with sustained engagement: (1) relational experiences, including normalisation and validation (<em>P</em> = 0.038) and, community and belonging (<em>P</em> = 0.01); and (2) the practical application of therapeutic insights in everyday life (P = 0.03). Low motivation was commonly reported as a barrier but did not significantly differentiate high from low engagers (<em>P</em> = 0.467).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This mixed methods study offers preliminary insights into experiential factors associated with engagement with a large-scale digital mental health intervention for young people. Indications suggest two experiential pathways to sustained use: relational experiences characterised by feeling understood, normalisation, and belonging, and functional utility reflected in the practical application of therapeutic strategies in daily life. Challenges reported by low-engaged young people, including cognitive overload, low motivation, and limited reminder prompting from the intervention, highlight opportunities for adaptive, low-effort re-engagement strategies. As digital mental health services continue to scale, understanding engagement as an emotional, social, and practical process may help support more sustained and inclusive participation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100899"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feasibility of online group schema therapy: A preliminary study with therapists in training for future application in borderline personality disorder","authors":"Bram van der Boom ,&nbsp;Tara Donker ,&nbsp;Derek de Beurs ,&nbsp;Arnout C. Smit ,&nbsp;Lian van der Krieke ,&nbsp;Pepijn Steures ,&nbsp;Roel Pietersen ,&nbsp;Marieke van Meeteren ,&nbsp;Arnoud Arntz ,&nbsp;Heleen Riper","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100897","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100897","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is the most prevalent personality disorder and can significantly impair patients' functioning. Evidence-based treatments exist, but can be inaccessible due to various limitations. Internet-delivered treatment could potentially increase accessibility and scalability. Before investigating patients, we planned a pilot-test of video-conferencing group schema therapy (VC-GST) as self-therapy for therapists in training.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the feasibility of VC-GST for therapists in training. We hypothesised VC-GST to be a feasible intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An uncontrolled pre-post-test feasibility study was conducted on a group of 24 therapists in training and analysed via one-sample and paired-samples <em>t</em>-tests. Feasibility was assessed through system usability, client satisfaction, group cohesion, working alliance, and drop-out rates. Furthermore, the effect of the VC-GST intervention on the participants' functioning, patterns, and personality traits was evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>VC-GST showed high usability and strong client satisfaction, with marked improvement in group cohesion and working alliance, and a drop-out rate of 4 %. Additionally, participants showed an increase in adaptive and decrease in maladaptive schemas.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study demonstrates that VC-GST could be a feasible intervention for therapists in training, warranting further research into VC-GST for a clinical population of BPD patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100897"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145754068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immersive virtual reality psychotherapy for children and adolescents—A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Steffen Massanneck ,&nbsp;Lennart Seizer ,&nbsp;Nadine N. Schmitt ,&nbsp;Anja Pascher ,&nbsp;Johanna Löchner","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100920","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100920","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although virtual reality has been used in psychotherapy since the 1990s, research and clinical practice have focused strongly on its application in exposure therapy. Over the last decade, the emergence of a new generation of virtual reality devices has led to a surge in virtual reality applications, which are also gaining traction in other areas of mental health care. The use of virtual reality in children and adolescent psychotherapy is especially interesting because it provides engaging and fun opportunities to strengthen therapeutic success. Despite these emerging needs, most systematic reviews focus not on high-immersive virtual reality applications but instead include low-immersive virtual reality applications, which may influence the results. This review fills the gap by providing a systematic review and meta-analysis of high-immersive virtual reality applications for child and adolescent psychotherapy. A total of nine eligible randomized controlled trials were included. The meta-analysis highlights that virtual reality applications can significantly enhance therapeutic success (Hedge’s <em>g</em> = −0.25, 95% CI [−0.37, −0.13]). During the extensive literature search, several research gaps were identified. Future research should concern itself with additional RCTs on mental health conditions that are currently lacking, such as Learning Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depression, and others. Initially, we also searched for augmented reality applications, but our literature search revealed no suitable studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100920"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Online-CBT for endometriosis: Exploring the acceptability and impact of the Ed.iTh program","authors":"Carola Hajek Gross ,&nbsp;Jette Angenendt ,&nbsp;Elena Strobl ,&nbsp;Kathrin Schubert ,&nbsp;Cornelia Weise","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100906","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100906","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Theoretical background</h3><div>Psychological distress significantly contributes to impairment in endometriosis. However, patients face systemic barriers to psychological support, including long waiting times, stigma, and a lack of endometriosis-specific expertise. Internet-based CBT (iCBT) offers a promising alternative, yet its acceptability and perceived helpfulness in addressing the psychological needs of endometriosis patients remains unexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate users' experiences with Ed.iTh, the first therapist-guided iCBT program developed for individuals with endometriosis. The program includes psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, pacing, emotion regulation, and asynchronous therapist support.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><em>N</em> = 163 individuals with endometriosis were invited to complete the eight-week Ed.iTh program. Each week, users engaged with a new module and provided written feedback on (1) the content and (2) suggestions for improvement. Free-text responses (1678 statements from 137 users) were analyzed using directed content analysis, based on the DeLone and McLean model (2003), which evaluates the success of information systems (e.g., internet-based interventions) across six dimensions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants expressed overall satisfaction with the program. They appreciated the relevance and clarity of the provided information (information quality) and emotional support, which helped reduce feelings of isolation (individual impact). Some participants noted difficulties applying techniques independently and requested more concrete guidance (service quality). Others highlighted a need for more interactivity and flexible pacing (system quality).</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The findings demonstrate the acceptability of Ed.iTh and highlight the potential of iCBT as a low-threshold treatment option for endometriosis. Suggested improvements include greater personalization, more flexible scheduling, and enhanced interactivity to increase engagement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100906"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}