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Investigating the Effectiveness and Design of Mobile Apps for Reducing Non-Suicidal Self-Injury : a scoping review.

Huster, Lena (2023) Investigating the Effectiveness and Design of Mobile Apps for Reducing Non-Suicidal Self-Injury : a scoping review.

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Abstract:Background: In the past years a lot of different mobile applications have been developed for the treatment of different mental health issues, also including non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). These interventions may be considered helpful tools and valuable options in the treatment of NSSI, but only if they are proven to be effective and if they are well understood. Therefore this scoping review provides a broader understanding of some of the currently available apps in the treatment of self-harm behaviours. Methods: A search in the electronic databases Scopus, Web of Science, and PsychInfo was conducted. 226 titles were screened, resulting in 10 articles that met the inclusion criteria for this review. These 10 studies were analysed regarding the effectiveness of apps in the treatment, user experience and several other research characteristics. To provide a summary of the insights, the retrieved data were compiled and shown in tables. Results: Various research designs were applied to study the effectiveness of apps in the treatment of self-harm behaviours in different populations. The majority of the studies focused on female adults above the age of 18 years. Moreover, most applications contained several features that users could choose from. Regarding the conceptualization of self-harm, most of the studies conceptualized it as an act of self-injury without suicidal intent, most often in the form of self-cutting. To assess the effectiveness of the apps in the treatment of self-harm, several outcome measures were used by the researchers, the most used measure was the SITBI. Lastly, the majority of apps were found to be effective in reducing the frequency of self-harm sessions and the urge to self-harm. Conclusions: There are apps available that are promising and inviting for usage in NSSI treatment. Future research should examine how and why these applications are successful while taking a more diverse perspective regarding the population. Moreover, the long-term effects need to be investigated as most included studies from this review did not do that yet.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/96203
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