Publication year
2014
Citation Title
Feasibility and effectiveness of a web-based positive psychology program for youth mental health: Randomized controlled trial.
Journal Name
Journal of Medical Internet Research
Journal Volume
16
Issue Number
6
Page Numbers
17-Feb
DOI
10.2196/jmir.3176
Summary
Researchers have begun to examine the efficacy of providing online programming for youth to increase mental health and resilience. This study examined the effectiveness of a website devoted to engaging youth in activities centered on five main components of happiness: positive emotions, engagement, positive relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. Results indicated that youth who regularly used the website showed decreases in mental health problems and increases in well-being.
Key Findings
Youth who utilized the intervention website at least three times a week experienced significant reductions in depression and anxiety and significant increases in well-being.
One third of youth assigned to use the intervention website did so for at least 40 minutes per week.
Many participants who reported not using the intervention website stated that it seemed to be aimed at younger individuals and that the content did not vary enough to keep their interest.
Implications for Military Professionals
Help families identify websites and online games for their children that may increase well-being
Work with youth from military families to create safe online spaces (such as closed groups on social media) through which they can support each other
Implications for Program Leaders
Consider developing online content for youth in military families, including games and other interaction targeted at increasing well-being
Consult youth in the development of online content directed toward youth to determine what they find most exciting and interesting
Implications for Policy Makers
Continue to support the development of online spaces for youth of military families
Encourage training for those who develop websites for youth regarding the effectiveness of including content that increases the main components of happiness
Methods
Participants were recruited through flyers at schools throughout Australia.
Researchers assigned participants to use the intervention website or a control website without interventions for at least an hour a week for six weeks.
Measures included questionnaires regarding anxiety, depression, stress, and well-being at the beginning of the study and at the end of six weeks, which were then analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention website.
Participants
Participants were 154 Australian youth (68% female).
Youth ranged in age from 12 to 18 years old, with an average age of 15 years old (SD=1.7).
The participants in the intervention group did not differ from those in the control group on depression, anxiety, or stress at baseline.
Limitations
Youth who consistently used the intervention website may differ from those who did not in ways that makes them more likely to show increases in mental health with this type of intervention.
The sample was limited to Australian youth. It is unclear whether results are generalizable to American youth.
There were concerns that the content was not age-appropriate; different findings may have occurred if the content had been more interesting and engaging for older youth.
Avenues for Future Research
Develop and evaluate online interventions for military youth addressing some of the specific concerns in that population
Work with youth in the development of online content and then evaluate its effectiveness
Replicate this study within an American sample
Focus
Civilian
Target Population
Population Focus
Abstract
Background: Youth mental health is a significant public health concern due to the high prevalence of mental health problems in this population and the low rate of those affected seeking help. While it is increasingly recognized that prevention is better than cure, most youth prevention programs have utilized interventions based on clinical treatments (eg, cognitive behavioral therapy) with inconsistent results. Objective: This study explores the feasibility of the online delivery of a youth positive psychology program, Bite Back, to improve the well-being and mental health outcomes of Australian youth. Further aims were to examine rates of adherence and attrition, and to investigate the program’s acceptability. Methods: Participants (N=235) aged 12-18 years were randomly assigned to either of two conditions: Bite Back (n=120) or control websites (n=115). The Bite Back website comprised interactive exercises and information across a variety of positive psychology domains; the control condition was assigned to neutral entertainment-based websites that contained no psychology information. Participants in both groups were instructed to use their allocated website for consecutive weeks. Participants were assessed pre- and postintervention on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-Short form (DASS-21) and the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS). Results: Of the 235 randomized participants, 154 (65.5%) completed baseline and post measures after 6 weeks. Completers and dropouts were equivalent in demographics, the SWEMWBS, and the depression and anxiety subscales of the DASS-21, but dropouts reported significantly higher levels of stress than completers. There were no differences between the Bite Back and control conditions at baseline on demographic variables, DASS-21, or SWEMWBS scores. Qualitative data indicated that 49 of 61 Bite Back users (79%) reported positive experiences using the website and 55 (89%) agreed they would continue to use it after study completion. Compared to the control condition, participants in the Bite Back condition with high levels of adherence (usage of the website for 30 minutes or more per week) reported significant decreases in depression and stress and improvements in well-being. Bite Back users who visited the site more frequently (?3 times per week) reported significant decreases in depression and anxiety and improvements in well-being. No significant improvements were found among Bite Back users who demonstrated low levels of adherence or who used the website less frequently. Conclusions: Results suggest that using an online positive psychology program can decrease symptoms of psychopathology and increase well-being in young people, especially for those who use the website for 30 minutes or longer per week or more frequently (?3 times per week). Acceptability of the Bite Back website was high. These findings are encouraging and suggest that the online delivery of positive psychology programs may be an alternate way to address mental health issues and improve youth well-being nationally.
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