Preliminary Efficacy of Behavioral Activation Smartphone Application for Reducing Depressive Symptoms in Depression
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Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the preliminary efficacy of a behavioral activation smartphone application in reducing depressive symptoms among individuals with depression.
Methods: This study employed a one-group pre-posttest design. The behavioral activation smartphone application was adapted from a face-to-face behavioral activation program and was named "Mind Alert." Participants engaged in six sessions with a therapist and utilized the smartphone application continuously for two months. The study included seventeen individuals between the ages of 18 and 35, who were experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms as assessed by a nine-item questionnaire. Depression scores were evaluated using the nine-item questionnaire before and after the intervention to measure the outcomes. The team of therapists consisted of seven members, including five psychiatric nurses and two social workers, who were trained in the program and had previous experience working in a hospital setting. Data analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Results: The preliminary efficacy findings of the behavioral activation smartphone application revealed that the depression scores of participants significantly decreased from pre-intervention to post-intervention (p < .05). Participants expressed high satisfaction with the Mind Alert application, stating that it helped them plan and engage in behavior that brought happiness and ultimately reduced their depressive symptoms.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the behavioral activation smartphone application can contribute to reducing depressive symptoms among individuals with depression, particularly those with mild to moderate symptoms. However, it is crucial for therapists to receive training and gain experience in using the Mind Alert application before providing it as a therapeutic tool for individuals with depression.
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