MoodyTunes: A mixed methods usability study of an app for adolescent mental health.

Abstract

Suicide is the leading cause of death in young people around the world, with depression as a major driver of these numbers. However, a substantial percentage of young people with depression do not seek professional help. As people in this demographic report listening should be to up to 5 hrs of music per day, music has the potential to serve as an effective method of reaching young people and increase their mental health literacy. MoodyTunes is an in-development mHealth app that aims to increasing mental health awareness in young people and to inform young people about how music can be used as an effective tool for self-regulating mood. Here, we report a mixed methods usability study of MoodyTunes in which a sample of young people (N = 20, age range: 12–25) experienced the app for the first time. A think-aloud method was used to evaluate the app, alongside quantitative survey responses, automated facial analysis data, and interview data. Survey data indicated that the app was perceived in a positive manner, and as effective and well-functioning, whereas aesthetic appeal received the lowest score. As hypothesized, women and younger participants displayed more positive emotions while using the app. Qualitative data indicated several positive aspects such as links to mental health resources and the ability to share music with others, but also highlighted the need to improve the aesthetic appeal, ease of use, and capacity to personalize the app. Future considerations and approaches for mHealth apps, as well as limitations in the present study, are discussed.

Encouraging help-seeking and engagement in a mental health app: What young people want

“…To be eligible participants had to be between 13 and 25 years of age. Our previous research had involved young people within this age range and indicated few differences in response between younger participants and older ones (23). Potential participants were excluded if they demonstrated current suicidal ideation and had scores on the depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21 28); greater than 14, suggesting the presence of extremely severe depression.…”

“…Findings revealed that the app concept and its proposed features were enthusiastically received by users, but the need for an attractive visual design and clean user interface was identified. After the development of an initial prototype, a think-aloud study that included automated facial analysis data was conducted with 20 young people ( 23 ). Study findings revealed that the app was positively received, with a favourable rating being given to the ability to link to mental health resources, track mood over time and to share music that has helped.…”