Date Approved

6-21-2021

Embargo Period

6-23-2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Psychology

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

Jim A. Haugh, Ph.D.

Committee Member 1

Danielle R. Arigo, Ph.D.

Committee Member 2

Jeffrey M. Greeson, Ph.D.

Committee Member 3

Joanna Petrides, Psy.D.

Keywords

depression, feasibility, mhealth, mobile apps, primary care

Subject(s)

Depression, Mental--Treatment

Disciplines

Clinical Psychology | Psychology

Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of implementing three mobile applications (apps) designed to ameliorate depressive symptoms within primary care. The secondary aim was to examine whether participants utilizing a mobile app would experience reductions in depressive symptoms and improvements in quality of life when compared to a waitlist control condition. Participants (n=3) were recruited from two primary care practices and randomized to: (a) a cognitive-behavioral app, (b) a mindfulness app, (c) a social problem-solving app, or (d) the waitlist control condition. Participants completed measures of depressive symptoms and quality of life at baseline, post-treatment, and a one-month follow-up. Results indicated recruitment was most challenging as we enrolled only three out of the thirty-five patients approached. On the other hand, retention was high across the study duration and two of three participants experienced a reduction of depressive symptoms at post-intervention. Additionally, each participant reported improvements in certain areas of quality of life, such as energy level, fatigue, and emotional well-being at post-intervention. Together, results highlight the importance of establishing and maintaining collaboration with primary care staff. Future research might focus on aspects of feasibility such as patient flow, provider-time demands, and comfortability with mobile apps.

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