INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF A SELF-GUIDED BEHAVIOURAL ACTIVATION (WITH A FOCUS ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES) MOBILE APPLICATION PROGRAM ON PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING - A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL (RCT)

Abstract

Behavioural Activation (BA), a well-established treatment for depression and anxiety, works by increasing clients’ engagement with positive reinforcing behaviours. A possible feature of BA is increasing levels of physical activity (PA). While previous research has found BA to be effective in improving mental well-being outcomes, few studies have examined the effects of BA, with a focus on PA, on both the mental and physical well-being outcomes. Hence, the present study investigates the effects of a self-guided BA (focus on PA) mobile app program on the physical and mental well-being of college students. A sample of 157 college students was recruited and randomly assigned to either the BA program or an active control group where they engaged with the curated programs on the mobile application for two weeks. Mixed ANOVAs to examine the effect of the interventions on levels of physical activity, general health perception, and mental well-being across time. Contrary to predictions, mental well-being did not change significantly in either group. Nonetheless, BA is found to be protective against lower levels of PA, and improve subjective perceptions of general health. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.