University of Twente Student Theses
Exploring Users' Attitudes and Experiences with Digital Mental Health Interventions : A Qualitative Interview Study on Engagement and Human Support
Wittlerbäumer, Jana (2025) Exploring Users' Attitudes and Experiences with Digital Mental Health Interventions : A Qualitative Interview Study on Engagement and Human Support.
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| Abstract: | Digital Mental Health Interventions (DMHIs) offer new and innovative solutions for addressing current mental health challenges, yet user engagement is still a critical factor influencing their effectiveness. This study explores the role of human support in influencing user engagement, attitudes, and experiences with DMHIs. Using a qualitative interview design, 14 university students were recruited who showed at least mild symptoms of anxiety or depression. Participants needed to complete the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 to assess if they met the inclusion criteria and were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. The key findings showed that human support, including supervision and personalized features, is important for sustaining engagement. Participants emphasized the importance of feeling supported and cared for, which can positively influence how they use the tools. Interventions that are tailored can address the specific mental health needs of the user which improve satisfaction and effectiveness. However, privacy concerns like data protection and transparency are significant barriers to DMHIs. Participants also mentioned different motivators, like ease of access and availability, and barriers, like cost or lack of variety, that can impact engagement and suggested different improvements for future DMHIs. This study provides new insights into the role of human support in DMHIs, while also showing the importance of addressing disengagement and focusing on different user needs to improve effectiveness. Future research should explore how different types of human support can influence user engagement, considering diverse groups of users and long-term use. Additionally, addressing privacy concerns by ensuring transparency and data protection is important for building trust and user-friendliness. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104982 |
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