CompletedInterventional

The effects of app-based mental health and wellbeing apps in a working sample

This study explored whether mental health and wellbeing apps can help UK workers aged 18 to 67 who experience mild anxiety and depression. Many people face mental health challenges that affect their work, so finding effective solutions is important. Researchers compared two types of apps – one focusing on executive function training and another on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – against a waiting list. Participants used an app for four weeks, and their mental health, wellbeing, and thinking skills were checked at the start, after four weeks, and again after 12 weeks. The study aimed to see if these apps improved mood and work performance, and how they might do this. It was run by the University of Bath.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Bath

Enrolment target

225

Start

27 Jul 2022

Estimated completion

31 May 2025

Depressive symptoms Anxious symptoms

What is this study about?

Many of us might feel down or worried sometimes, and for some, these feelings – like mild depression and anxiety – can start to affect our everyday lives, including our work. When we're struggling with our mental health, it can make it harder to concentrate, stay motivated, and even take time off work. Finding good ways to support mental health in the workplace is really important, not just for individual wellbeing, but also for how workplaces function.

This study looked at digital health apps as a possible solution. Specifically, it compared two types of apps that have shown some promise in helping people: one focused on 'executive function training' (which helps with things like planning and focus) and another based on 'Cognitive Behavioural Therapy' or CBT (a talking therapy that helps change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours). Researchers wanted to see if using these apps could actually make a difference to people's mental health and their ability to do well at work.

The main goals were to find out if either of these apps worked better than simply being on a waiting list, and if any improvements were linked to changes in people's thinking skills. The study gathered information about participants' mental health and wellbeing, and also their thinking abilities, at a few different points in time to track any changes.

Key takeaways

Researched mental health apps for mild depression and anxiety in UK workers.
Compared two types of apps with a waiting list group.
Participation involved online surveys and app use over a 12-week period.
Aimed to see if apps improved mental health, wellbeing, and work performance.
Focused on adults aged 18-67 who were working and not in talking therapy.
All activities were completed online.

Who may be eligible?

This study was looking for people living in the UK, aged between 18 and 67 years old. To be included, you needed to be working at least 16 hours a week. It was designed for individuals who were experiencing mild symptoms of anxiety and depression, rather than severe conditions.

To check for mild symptoms, participants would have needed to score above a certain level on two common questionnaires. These questionnaires help doctors understand if someone is experiencing symptoms of depression (PHQ-9 score above 5) or anxiety (GAD-7 score above 4).

However, you couldn't take part if you were already receiving 'talking therapy' – a type of treatment like counselling or CBT delivered by a therapist. This was to make sure the researchers could clearly see the effects of the apps without other treatments influencing the results.

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 a resident of the UK?
Are you aged between 18 and 67?
Do you work at least 16 hours per week?
Do you feel you experience mild symptoms of anxiety or depression?
Are you currently NOT receiving talking therapy (like counselling or CBT with a therapist)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you took part in this study, you would have first completed some online surveys asking about your mental health and general wellbeing. You would also have done a task designed to check your thinking skills. After this initial check, you would have been randomly assigned to one of three groups: either using one of the mental health apps for four weeks, or being in a group that waited before potentially getting access to an app.

You would have used your assigned app for four weeks. Throughout the study, there were three main times when you would have answered surveys and completed tasks: at the very beginning, immediately after the four weeks of using the app (or waiting), and then a final time 12 weeks after you first joined the study. All surveys and tasks were completed online from your own home, meaning there were no in-person visits required.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might have offered some benefits, such as potentially experiencing an improvement in your mental health and general wellbeing by using the app provided. However, there's no guarantee of benefit for everyone. On the other hand, some participants might have found answering detailed questions about their mental health to be a bit stressful or upsetting. You would always have the right to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care or your rights.

Locations (1)

University of Bath
Approximate
Bath, England

Common questions

What kind of apps did the study look at?

The study looked at two types of mental health apps: one focused on improving thinking skills (executive function training) and another based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Who could join this study?

UK residents aged 18 to 67 years old, working at least 16 hours a week, and experiencing mild symptoms of anxiety and depression could join. You couldn't be in talking therapy already.

How long did the study last for each person?

For each participant, the active part of the study spanned 12 weeks from when they first joined, though app use was for 4 weeks within that period.

Where did the study take place?

The study was run by the University of Bath, UK, but all surveys and app use were completed online, from participants' own homes.

Will using these apps definitely make me feel better?

The study aimed to find that out. Participants might have experienced some benefits, but there's no guarantee that everyone would feel better. It's important to remember that study results vary for individuals.

How to find out more

Alexander MacLellan

alex.maclellan@aist.go.jp 1225388388 Official trial record

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