A mixed-methods investigation of a digital mental health tool to manage posttrauma anger

Abstract

Problematic anger affects up to 30% of individuals who have experienced trauma. Digital mental health approaches, such as ecological momentary assessment (EMA) delivered via smartphone and wearable devices (i.e., wearables), hold significant potential for the development of novel digital technology treatments. The objective of this cohort study was to examine the acceptability, feasibility, and outcomes from 10 days of usage of a digital mental health tool combining EMA and wearable use among trauma-exposed adults with problematic anger. We used mixed methods to examine feasibility and acceptability and explored quantitative changes in mental health symptoms among participants over the study period (N = 98, 80.4% women, M_age = 38 years). Quantitative and qualitative data revealed that regular EMA combined with a wearable was feasible and acceptable in the sample. We observed reductions in problem anger, p < .001, repeated-measures d (d_RM) = -0.81, 95% CI [-1.04, -0.59]; and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, p = .025, d_RM = -0.26, 95% CI [-0.55, -0.03], over the 10 days of monitoring. Qualitative findings suggest that by regularly “checking in” on anger symptoms, participants improved their self-awareness and ability to self-manage their mood. These findings provide valuable learnings for building future personalized digital mental health tools.