User Perspectives on a Resilience-Building App (JoyPop): Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background Resilience is the capability, resources, and processes that are available to a person or system to adapt successfully in the face of stress or adversity. Given that resilience can be enhanced, using advances in technology to deliver and evaluate the impact of resilience interventions is warranted. Evidence supports the effectiveness of the resilience-building JoyPop app in improving resilience-related outcomes after use; however, experiential data from users is also needed to provide a more comprehensive account of its utility. Objective The aim of this study was to explore users’ experiences with the JoyPop app and their perspectives on its utility. Methods This qualitative description study involved a combination of group and one-on-one semistructured interviews with a subset of first-year undergraduate students who participated in a larger evaluation of the JoyPop app. Participants used the app for a 4-week period and were subsequently asked about their frequency of app use, most and least used features (and associated reasons), most and least helpful features (and associated reasons), barriers to use, facilitators of use and continuation, and recommendations for improvement. Data were coded and categorized through inductive content analysis. Results The sample of 30 participants included 24 females and 6 males, with a mean age of 18.77 years (SD 2.30). App use ranged from 1 to 5 times daily (mean 2.11, SD 0.74), with the majority indicating that they used the app at least twice daily. The Rate My Mood, Journal, and SquareMoves features were reported to be used most often, while the Rate My Mood, Journal, and Breathing Exercises features were identified as the most helpful. A number of themes and subthemes pertaining to facilitators of app use (prompts, creating routine, self-monitoring opportunities, expressive opportunities), barriers to app use (editing, lack of variety, student lifestyle), outcomes of app use (increased awareness, checking in with oneself, helpful distraction, emotional control), and recommendations for app improvement (adding more features, enhancing existing features, enhancing tracking abilities, providing personalization) were identified. Conclusions This study provides insight into the aspects of the JoyPop app that motivated and benefitted users, as well as measures that can be taken to improve user experiences and promote longer-term uptake. Users were willing to engage with the app and incorporate it into their routine, and they valued the ability to self-monitor, express emotion, and engage in distraction.

The Impact of Using mHealth Apps on Improving Public Health Satisfaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Digital Content Value Chain Perspective

“…Mhealth is a digital platform that deserves to be valued not only for its functional value but also for its emotional and social value [ 22 ]. In terms of emotional value, mHealth apps have proven to be an effective way to deliver mental health services [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. A mobile medical app can significantly reduce stress and significantly improve people’s well-being by identifying emotional states and reducing loneliness [ 25 ].…”

“…A mobile medical app can significantly reduce stress and significantly improve people’s well-being by identifying emotional states and reducing loneliness [ 25 ]. In particular, the use of mHealth apps strengthens users’ resilience and makes it easier for them to get out of a difficult situation and maintain a positive mental state [ 26 ]. In terms of social value, the development of mHealth can alleviate the shortage of medical resources to a certain extent [ 27 ], improve the quality of medical services in remote areas and for vulnerable groups, and helps to maintain social harmony [ 28 ].…”

A gamified app for supporting undergraduate students’ mental health: A feasibility and usability study

“…22 Only two resilience apps were identified in the literature that targeted youth. The first one focused on youth who experienced sexual violence and had adverse childhood experiences 8,24 and the second one focused on student veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 25,26 The effectiveness of these resilience apps was promising through small-scale studies 21,24,25 and randomized controlled trials.…”

“…None of the resilience apps identified in the literature refers to behavioral change techniques, even though some refer to psychoeducational components 20,34 and emotion regulation. 8 In recent years, research interest focused on tools for objectively measuring activity-related parameters and promoting health-related outcomes. 35 The role of the Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming increasingly important in an individual's daily activities.…”

“…2–6 The COVID19 pandemic is anticipated to result in long-term adverse mental health effects on the population 7 ; therefore, there is an urgent need to support students’ psychological resilience. Psychological resilience refers to adapting successfully in the face of stress or adversity, 8 overcoming daily challenges, coping with stress, and achieving goals despite obstacles. 9 Psychological resilience is an important life skill that remains highly relevant in the post-pandemic era.…”