Class
Article
Department
Psychology
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and other CBS (Contextual Behavioral Science) approaches have repeatedly been found to be effective in addressing human suffering in areas such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Due to many factors which inhibit seeking therapeutic help in person (such as cost, stigma, and availability of counselors), it is essential that these resources be made available to as much of the general pubic as possible. In recent years, many developers have undertaken the task of creating smart-phone apps to provide users with tools to apply the skills and theories of these therapies. The following review summarizes a comparison and analysis of several of these apps. Features such as audio-guided exercises, experiential logs, user customizability, and engaging content were found in numerous, and especially helpful aspects of certain apps are highlighted as well. Using this as a base, it is hoped that a guide may be created to assist people searching for a therapeutic app recognize important features to search for and possibly guide the creation of future apps in this key area of mental health.
Start Date
4-9-2015 10:30 AM
What’s in an App? ACT Relevant App Features Worth Studying
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and other CBS (Contextual Behavioral Science) approaches have repeatedly been found to be effective in addressing human suffering in areas such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Due to many factors which inhibit seeking therapeutic help in person (such as cost, stigma, and availability of counselors), it is essential that these resources be made available to as much of the general pubic as possible. In recent years, many developers have undertaken the task of creating smart-phone apps to provide users with tools to apply the skills and theories of these therapies. The following review summarizes a comparison and analysis of several of these apps. Features such as audio-guided exercises, experiential logs, user customizability, and engaging content were found in numerous, and especially helpful aspects of certain apps are highlighted as well. Using this as a base, it is hoped that a guide may be created to assist people searching for a therapeutic app recognize important features to search for and possibly guide the creation of future apps in this key area of mental health.