Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health最新文献

{"title":"Engagement of people with lived experience in the design and development of digital mental health interventions: A scoping review of engagement characteristics and impacts","authors":"Alana Fisher ,&nbsp;Noni Jervis ,&nbsp;Madelyne Bisby ,&nbsp;Milena Gandy ,&nbsp;Andreea I. Heriseanu ,&nbsp;Taylor Hathway ,&nbsp;Atria Rezwan ,&nbsp;Nickolai Titov ,&nbsp;Blake Dear","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100914","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100914","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) aim to increase access to mental healthcare for people who would otherwise not access it. Accordingly, the design and development of DMHIs may particularly benefit from engaging people with lived experience (PwLE).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A scoping review involving systematic database searches identified and synthesised original research reporting PwLE engagement in the design and development of DMHIs (published January 2000– April 2024). Articles were independently title/abstract screened by two authors, and full-text screened by one author. Included article data were extracted, independently checked, and descriptively synthesised.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twenty-nine studies were included, published 2012–2024, in high-income countries. Engagement was mostly via ‘consultation’ level activities (e.g., focus groups), followed by ‘involvement’ or ‘collaboration’. In almost half of studies, engagement spanned multiple engagement levels across the different development stages. Reported impacts included changes to content, design, and delivery (e.g., revised language). Authors credited engagement with improved DMHI relevance, acceptability, and inclusivity, while noted challenges include limited diversity among engaged PwLE and resource demands. For reported DMHI outcomes, studies reported positive findings related to use, and attitudes towards using DMHIs. However, reported findings were more mixed for mental health outcomes (e.g., symptom improvement). Additionally, it was not possible to directly link outcomes to PwLE engagement.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Review findings highlight the increasing but predominantly consultative engagement of PwLE in developing DMHIs. Future research directions include more transparent and consistent reporting of engagement, deliberative decision-making around engagement levels/types, and more rigorous evaluation of engagement to investigate its association with DMHI outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100914"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low-burden preventative digital mental health interventions for first-year college students: A pilot feasibility microrandomized trial","authors":"Adam G. Horwitz ,&nbsp;Shriya Anand ,&nbsp;Megan Chen ,&nbsp;Kaitlyn McCarthy ,&nbsp;Stephen M. Schueller ,&nbsp;Maureen Walton ,&nbsp;Srijan Sen ,&nbsp;Cheryl A. King","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100912","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100912","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Mental health problems among college students have increased significantly and barriers to care contribute to a substantial treatment gap. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) show promise for overcoming barriers, but engagement with DMHIs is challenging, underscoring the need for low-burden strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This pilot trial evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a six-week, low-burden, preventative DMHI that delivered supportive text messages and personalized feedback (PF) to first-semester college students.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Students (<em>N</em> = 120, 64% women, 55% non-Hispanic White) who had mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 scores between 5 and 14) and were not engaged in formal mental health care were randomized to intervention (<em>n</em> = 90) or assessment-only (<em>n</em> = 30) conditions. Those in the intervention condition received a weekly PF report and/or supportive text messages at random intervals as part of an embedded micro-randomized trial (MRT). Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability of the intervention components. Exploratory analyses examined 1) clinical outcomes after six weeks for the intervention and assessment-only conditions, and 2) weekly clinical outcomes within the intervention group based on the MRT.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The trial demonstrated high feasibility (95% enrollment; 87% retention) and strong intervention acceptability, especially for PF and assessment components. Exploratory analyses did not reveal consistent patterns in between- and within-group comparisons.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Low-burden strategies for assessment and intervention are feasible and acceptable to first-year college students at risk for depression. There is significant potential for integrating these lower-intensity strategies into a full-scale trial that adaptively delivers higher-intensity DMHIs and/or integrate human-delivered components in response to needs over time.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100912"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Online-CBT for endometriosis: Exploring the acceptability and impact of the Ed.iTh program","authors":"Carola Hajek Gross ,&nbsp;Jette Angenendt ,&nbsp;Elena Strobl ,&nbsp;Kathrin Schubert ,&nbsp;Cornelia Weise","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100906","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100906","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Theoretical background</h3><div>Psychological distress significantly contributes to impairment in endometriosis. However, patients face systemic barriers to psychological support, including long waiting times, stigma, and a lack of endometriosis-specific expertise. Internet-based CBT (iCBT) offers a promising alternative, yet its acceptability and perceived helpfulness in addressing the psychological needs of endometriosis patients remains unexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate users' experiences with Ed.iTh, the first therapist-guided iCBT program developed for individuals with endometriosis. The program includes psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, pacing, emotion regulation, and asynchronous therapist support.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><em>N</em> = 163 individuals with endometriosis were invited to complete the eight-week Ed.iTh program. Each week, users engaged with a new module and provided written feedback on (1) the content and (2) suggestions for improvement. Free-text responses (1678 statements from 137 users) were analyzed using directed content analysis, based on the DeLone and McLean model (2003), which evaluates the success of information systems (e.g., internet-based interventions) across six dimensions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants expressed overall satisfaction with the program. They appreciated the relevance and clarity of the provided information (information quality) and emotional support, which helped reduce feelings of isolation (individual impact). Some participants noted difficulties applying techniques independently and requested more concrete guidance (service quality). Others highlighted a need for more interactivity and flexible pacing (system quality).</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The findings demonstrate the acceptability of Ed.iTh and highlight the potential of iCBT as a low-threshold treatment option for endometriosis. Suggested improvements include greater personalization, more flexible scheduling, and enhanced interactivity to increase engagement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100906"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effectiveness of online acceptance and commitment therapy-based interventions on depression, burnout, anxiety and stress in occupational contexts: A systematic narrative review","authors":"Veera Sofia Lampinen ,&nbsp;Ella Kämper ,&nbsp;Viktória Roxána Balla ,&nbsp;Nina Katajavuori ,&nbsp;Henna Asikainen","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100909","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100909","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Declining employee mental health has led to an interest in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based interventions that aim to develop psychological flexibility. While existing literature primarily focuses on face-to-face interventions, evidence on online ACT interventions in occupational settings remains limited. This systematic narrative review synthesized findings on the outcomes of online ACT-based interventions for employees. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 and Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines, six databases were searched, yielding 11 randomized controlled trials targeting burnout, depression, anxiety, and stress. Most studies reported modest but significant improvements in these outcomes, often sustained at follow-up. Psychological flexibility consistently emerged as the principal mechanism of change. Intervention formats and engagement varied widely; partially guided programs demonstrated higher adherence than fully self-guided formats, though time constraints and workload frequently hindered participation. Online ACT-based interventions appear tentatively promising for improving employee well-being, but methodological heterogeneity, limited cultural diversity, and short follow-up periods constrain firm conclusions. Future studies should employ standardized protocols, process-based measures, and longer follow-ups to clarify the mechanisms and sustainability of change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100909"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Uptake and engagement with digital mental health in the workplace: A mixed-methods analysis of the EMPOWER trial","authors":"Stijn B. Peeters ,&nbsp;Marleen de Mul ,&nbsp;Frederick W. Thielen ,&nbsp;Marjo Sinokki ,&nbsp;Kaja Staszewska ,&nbsp;Luis Salvador-Carulla ,&nbsp;Sue Lukersmith ,&nbsp;Beatriz Olaya ,&nbsp;Leona Hakkaart-van Roijen","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100911","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100911","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined contextual factors influencing the uptake and use of the EMPOWER digital mental health platform, implemented in small and medium-sized enterprises and public agencies in Spain, Poland, Finland, and the United Kingdom. The platform was developed within an EU-funded project to promote workplace mental health and evaluated in a randomised controlled trial assessing its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. A mixed-methods design was applied combining logistic regression analyses of baseline employee data with qualitative semi-structured interviews exploring barriers and facilitators to engagement. Results indicated that successful uptake was supported by strong employer involvement, a positive workplace culture, clear communication of benefits and data privacy, tailoring of content to employee needs, and available technical support. Barriers included insufficient communication, limited organisational support, lack of allocated time for use, unclear instructions, and concerns about anonymity. Employers often expressed reluctance to take responsibility for facilitating implementation, reflecting low organisational readiness. While the platform itself was generally regarded as user-friendly, its integration into daily workplace practices was inconsistent, with many employees using it outside of working hours. In conclusion, effective and sustainable implementation of digital workplace mental health interventions requires more active stakeholder engagement, clearer and sustained communication strategies, and alignment with organisational policies and structures. Addressing these contextual factors is essential for maximising uptake and ensuring that digital health platforms such as EMPOWER achiever their intended impact in supporting mental health at work.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100911"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An internet-based cognitive-behavioral self-management intervention for patients with hand osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia – Two randomized controlled trials","authors":"Jessy A. Terpstra ,&nbsp;Sylvia van Beugen ,&nbsp;Rosalie van der Vaart ,&nbsp;Roxy A. van Eersel ,&nbsp;Elise Dusseldorp ,&nbsp;Margreet Kloppenburg ,&nbsp;Andrea W.M. Evers","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100908","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100908","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases have a high burden. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a therapist-guided internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) on pain coping and secondary physical, psychological, and disease impact outcomes in hand osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Two single-center, parallel-group, superiority randomized controlled trials were performed. In one study, 70 adults with hand osteoarthritis visiting a Dutch hospital were randomized to care-as-usual or care-as-usual plus iCBT (each group <em>n</em> = 35; <span><span>ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>: <span><span>NCT05872633</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>). In another study, 70 adults with fibromyalgia visiting a Dutch fibromyalgia-specialized center were randomized to iCBT (<em>n</em> = 34) or a waitlist (<em>n</em> = 36; <span><span>ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>: <span><span>NCT06322485</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>). Standardized self-report questionnaires were used at baseline, post-intervention, 6-week, and 3-month follow-up and analyzed with statistician-masked intention-to-treat linear mixed models. The primary endpoint was pain coping at post-intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In patients with hand osteoarthritis (mean age = 62.4 ± 7.6), no between-group effect on pain coping was found at post-intervention (<em>p</em> = 0.187; Cohen's <em>d</em> = 0.14), while a small to medium effect favored iCBT at 6-week follow-up (<em>p</em> = 0.039; <em>d</em> = 0.41). In patients with fibromyalgia (mean age = 46.4 ± 11.8), a medium to large improvement in pain coping favoring iCBT at post-intervention (<em>p</em> = 0.003; <em>d</em> = 0.60) was not sustained at follow-up. Between-group small to large improvements were found in secondary outcomes (e.g., well-being, osteoarthritis disability, fibromyalgia pain and impact), predominantly at 3-month follow-up (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.047; 0.30 ≤ <em>d</em> ≤ 0.98).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>ICBT improved pain coping in fibromyalgia at the primary endpoint, whereas the hand osteoarthritis trial was negative at the primary endpoint. Exploratory secondary findings suggest potential benefits for both conditions but warrant replication, particularly in subgroups with a high disease impact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100908"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predicting the path to guided ICBT success across referral pathway for moderate depression and anxiety disorders","authors":"Jill Bjarke ,&nbsp;Rolf Gjestad ,&nbsp;Tine Nordgreen","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100907","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100907","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Depression and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and burdensome conditions. Guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (guided ICBT) is an effective treatment option, yet outcome prediction has shown inconsistent results. By analyzing patient-, treatment-, and system-related predictors within a single integrative framework, we aim to support a more nuanced understanding of what works for whom in which context.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Naturalistic, open predictor-study in routine care comparing symptom reduction from pre-treatment (Pre) to post-treatment (Post), and from Pre to 6-month follow-up (FU), across general practitioner (GP) and self-referral pathways for depression and anxiety disorders. Patients self-reported symptoms Pre, Post, and FU. Symptom severity and change over time were assessed transdiagnostically applying a harmonized outcome score. Patient-related predictors were gender, age, education, employment status, duration of illness, and social support, while treatment-related predictors were treatment credibility and self-efficacy. The system-related predictor was referral pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the total sample (<em>N</em> = 460, GP = 305, Self-referred = 155), almost all patient-, treatment- and system-related predictors were associated with symptom reduction over time measured at Post and FU. Referral pathway statistically significant moderated the associations between most predictors and symptom reduction.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Using a novel integrative approach, we identified unique adjusted associations between predictors across patient-, treatment-, and system-related predictors and symptom reduction in guided ICBT. Referral pathway moderated their relevance, underscoring the importance of contextual factors in shaping treatment response in routine care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100907"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating a mobile-enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy program for university students with irritable bowel syndrome","authors":"Hyo Kyung Kim ,&nbsp;Hyunjung Kim ,&nbsp;Aram Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100905","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100905","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition prevalent in university students. It significantly affects quality of life (QOL) and requires effective interventions to appropriately manage its symptoms in this population.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program using a mobile application to alleviate symptoms and enhance the QOL of university students with IBS.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This quasi-experimental study included 58 participants from two universities in South Korea, who were divided into three groups: the CBT only group, the CBT with application group, and the control group that received a single educational session. An integrated eight-session CBT program and a mobile application for IBS self-management were developed and implemented. Outcomes, including the IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS), academic stress, depression, IBS-QOL, and heart rate variability, were evaluated at baseline, post-intervention, and at the 16-week follow-up.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Significant interactions between group and time were observed for IBS-SSS (Wald χ² = 13.49, <em>p</em> = 0.009). Although the short-term effects for IBS-SSS were greater in the CBT group than in the control group, the long-term effects for IBS-SSS at 16 weeks were more sustained in the CBT with application group. Both the CBT and CBT with application groups demonstrated improvements in academic stress, depression, and QOL, but not in heart rate variability, whereas the control group demonstrated limited changes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The integrated CBT program, with or without a mobile application, effectively reduced the severity of IBS symptoms, depression, and academic stress among university students. This combined approach may provide long-term benefits for symptom management and psychosocial well-being. Further research is warranted to optimize the use of mobile device applications for CBT delivery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100905"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feasibility and preliminary effects of an individually customizable ecological momentary stress management intervention: A mixed methods pilot study","authors":"Hannah Tschenett ,&nbsp;Aljoscha Dreisörner ,&nbsp;Katrin Schäfer ,&nbsp;Ricarda Mewes ,&nbsp;Urs M. Nater","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100901","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100901","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While many interventions are known to reduce stress, evidence-based stress management interventions that can be applied during stressful events in everyday life are lacking. This pilot study investigated an ecological momentary intervention for everyday stress management, comprising eight modules (e.g., relaxation, music listening), in terms of its feasibility, its immediate effects following stressful events, and its pre- to post-intervention effects. Over 45 days, undergraduate psychology students (<em>N</em> = 27, 21.6 ± 1.9 years, 74 % female) completed momentary assessments four times daily and whenever they experienced stress. During the 35-day intervention period (days 6–40), participants were intra-individually randomized to either use the intervention (5–20 min intervention use) or not use the intervention (continuing with usual activities) after indicating a stressful event. Additionally, they used the intervention as needed in their daily lives. The feasibility of the intervention was indicated by no drop-outs, high usage rates and positive reports in the acceptability questionnaire and semi-structured group interviews, while lower compliance with momentary assessments indicates reduced feasibility of the study design. After using the intervention in response to stressful events, participants reported significantly decreased stress and negative affect. Moreover, participants showed improvements in stress, mindfulness, and self-compassion post-intervention. Our pilot findings suggest that the intervention is feasible and indicate reductions in event-related and daily stress in everyday life.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100901"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimizing prompt frequency in a brief online emotion regulation training for community adults: A three-arm randomized controlled trial","authors":"Wan-Lan Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100903","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2026.100903","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Online emotion regulation interventions show promise for addressing mental health concerns, yet optimal delivery parameters remain unclear. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the efficacy of a brief online emotion regulation (ER) intervention against a robust active control, and (2) investigate the impact of practice prompt frequency on clinical outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this three-arm randomized controlled trial, community adults (<em>N</em> = 194) were randomly allocated to: emotion regulation training with three daily prompts (ER-TD), emotion regulation training with one daily prompt (ER-OD), or stress psychoeducation control (SPC). The 5-week intervention delivered evidence-based emotion regulation skills (awareness, acceptance, self-compassion, mindfulness, cognitive reappraisal) or educational content about stress. Assessments occurred at baseline, weeks 2 and 4, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Primary outcomes were depression (CES<img>D) and perceived stress (PSS-10); secondary outcome was emotion regulation difficulties (DERS-18).</div><div>Results: Participants in both ER conditions (ER-TD and ER-OD) demonstrated significantly greater improvements in depression, perceived stress, and emotion regulation difficulties compared to the SPC group at the end of training. Direct comparisons revealed no significant differences between the ER-TD and ER-OD groups on any outcome at the end of the intervention. However, at the 3-month follow-up, improvements in overall emotion regulation skills were sustained only in the ER-TD group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Brief online emotion regulation training effectively reduces depression and stress compared to a robust active control. While single daily prompts were sufficient for initial skill acquisition—suggesting a minimal effective dose for engagement—higher frequency supported superior long-term maintenance. These findings point toward adaptive implementation strategies: starting with lower-frequency prompts to reduce burden, then increasing frequency for skill maintenance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100903"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145978011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}