Participant Experiences of the Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health App-Based Intervention: A Qualitative Program Evaluation

Abstract

Mothers with young children were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Maternal rates of clinically significant depression rapidly increased while mental health services simultaneously became less accessible. In response, we designed a novel app-based intervention, Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health (BEAM), to address mental health concerns and promote supportive parenting in mothers. A total of 70 mothers participated in the BEAM pilot. Following completing the program, participants were invited to share feedback about their experience in BEAM through focus groups and a post-intervention questionnaire. The current study comprised a thematic analysis of qualitative focus group (n = 11) and questionnaire data (n = 40). Results demonstrate how participants were supported and benefited from the program (e.g., peer community, learning new skills and strategies) and suggestions for improvement. Findings highlight the acceptability of the BEAM program and can inform the development of future mental health app-based programs and services.