Published on in Vol 21, No 6 (2019): June

Preprints (earlier versions) of this paper are available at https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/12556, first published .
Guided Self-Help Works: Randomized Waitlist Controlled Trial of Pacifica, a Mobile App Integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Guided Self-Help Works: Randomized Waitlist Controlled Trial of Pacifica, a Mobile App Integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Guided Self-Help Works: Randomized Waitlist Controlled Trial of Pacifica, a Mobile App Integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Authors of this article:

Christine Moberg1 Author Orcid Image ;   Andrea Niles2 Author Orcid Image ;   Dale Beermann1 Author Orcid Image

Journals

  1. Lau N, O'Daffer A, Colt S, Yi-Frazier J, Palermo T, McCauley E, Rosenberg A. Android and iPhone Mobile Apps for Psychosocial Wellness and Stress Management: Systematic Search in App Stores and Literature Review. JMIR mHealth and uHealth 2020;8(5):e17798 View
  2. Hidalgo-Mazzei D, Llach C, Vieta E. mHealth in affective disorders: hype or hope? A focused narrative review. International Clinical Psychopharmacology 2020;35(2):61 View
  3. Connolly S, Hogan T, Shimada S, Miller C. Leveraging Implementation Science to Understand Factors Influencing Sustained Use of Mental Health Apps: a Narrative Review. Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science 2021;6(2):184 View
  4. Sin J, Galeazzi G, McGregor E, Collom J, Taylor A, Barrett B, Lawrence V, Henderson C. Digital Interventions for Screening and Treating Common Mental Disorders or Symptoms of Common Mental Illness in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2020;22(9):e20581 View
  5. Radhakrishnan K, Kim M, Burgermaster M, Brown R, Xie B, Bray M, Fournier C. The potential of digital phenotyping to advance the contributions of mobile health to self-management science. Nursing Outlook 2020;68(5):548 View
  6. Gál É, Ștefan S, Cristea I. The efficacy of mindfulness meditation apps in enhancing users’ well-being and mental health related outcomes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Affective Disorders 2021;279:131 View
  7. Schultchen D, Terhorst Y, Holderied T, Stach M, Messner E, Baumeister H, Sander L. Stay Present with Your Phone: A Systematic Review and Standardized Rating of Mindfulness Apps in European App Stores. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine 2021;28(5):552 View
  8. Litz B, Cummings M, Grunthal B, McLean C. A Public Health Framework for Preventing Mental Disorders in the Context of Pandemics. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice 2021;28(4):519 View
  9. Wu A, Scult M, Barnes E, Betancourt J, Falk A, Gunning F. Smartphone apps for depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis of techniques to increase engagement. npj Digital Medicine 2021;4(1) View
  10. McCall H, Hadjistavropoulos H, Sundström C. Exploring the Role of Persuasive Design in Unguided Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety Among Adults: Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2021;23(4):e26939 View
  11. Planas R, Yuguero O. Technological prescription: evaluation of the effectiveness of mobile applications to improve depression and anxiety. Systematic review. Informatics for Health and Social Care 2021;46(3):273 View
  12. Wang X, Markert C, Sasangohar F. Investigating Popular Mental Health Mobile Application Downloads and Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 2023;65(1):50 View
  13. Bulaj G, Clark J, Ebrahimi M, Bald E. From Precision Metapharmacology to Patient Empowerment: Delivery of Self-Care Practices for Epilepsy, Pain, Depression and Cancer Using Digital Health Technologies. Frontiers in Pharmacology 2021;12 View
  14. Martinengo L, Stona A, Griva K, Dazzan P, Pariante C, von Wangenheim F, Car J. Self-guided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Apps for Depression: Systematic Assessment of Features, Functionality, and Congruence With Evidence. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2021;23(7):e27619 View
  15. Peters Z, Norwood L, Modi H, Goodman H, Yang P, Coleman N, Monroe A, Goodman W, Storch E. Addressing the mental health needs of learners and nonlearners in an academic medical center during COVID-19. Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic 2021;85(3):283 View
  16. Petrinec A, Hughes J, Zullo M, Wilk C, George R. Smartphone Delivery of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Postintensive Care Syndrome-Family: Protocol for a Pilot Study. JMIR Research Protocols 2021;10(8):e30813 View
  17. Mehta A, Niles A, Vargas J, Marafon T, Couto D, Gross J. Acceptability and Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence Therapy for Anxiety and Depression (Youper): Longitudinal Observational Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2021;23(6):e26771 View
  18. Teepe G, Da Fonseca A, Kleim B, Jacobson N, Salamanca Sanabria A, Tudor Car L, Fleisch E, Kowatsch T. Just-in-Time Adaptive Mechanisms of Popular Mobile Apps for Individuals With Depression: Systematic App Search and Literature Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2021;23(9):e29412 View
  19. Six S, Byrne K, Tibbett T, Pericot-Valverde I. Examining the Effectiveness of Gamification in Mental Health Apps for Depression: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JMIR Mental Health 2021;8(11):e32199 View
  20. McKenzie L, Roberts K, McAdams R, Abdel-Rasoul M, Kristel O, Szymanski A, Keim S, Shields W. Efficacy of a mobile technology-based intervention for increasing parents’ safety knowledge and actions: a randomized controlled trial. Injury Epidemiology 2021;8(1) View
  21. Gordon J, Sbarra D, Armin J, Pace T, Gniady C, Barraza Y. Use of a Guided Imagery Mobile App (See Me Serene) to Reduce COVID-19–Related Stress: Pilot Feasibility Study. JMIR Formative Research 2021;5(10):e32353 View
  22. Gentile M, De Luca V, Patalano R, Laudisio D, Tramontano G, Lindner-Rabl S, Mercurio L, Salvatore E, Farrell J, Roller-Wirnsberger R, Kubitschke L, Triassi M, Colao A, Illario M. Innovative approaches to service integration addressing the unmet needs of irritable bowel syndrome patients and new approaches for the needs of IBS patients. Frontiers in Medicine 2022;9 View
  23. Bradley D, Ching T, Languido L, Brady R. Application of a Quality Improvement Process to Evaluate Self-Directed Therapy for Patients on a Waitlist in an Outpatient Anxiety Disorders Specialty Clinic. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice 2023;30(2):229 View
  24. Biagianti B, Foti G, Di Liberto A, Bressi C, Brambilla P. CBT-informed psychological interventions for adult patients with anxiety and depression symptoms: A narrative review of digital treatment options. Journal of Affective Disorders 2023;325:682 View
  25. Amagai S, Pila S, Kaat A, Nowinski C, Gershon R. Challenges in Participant Engagement and Retention Using Mobile Health Apps: Literature Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2022;24(4):e35120 View
  26. Eisenstadt M, Liverpool S, Infanti E, Ciuvat R, Carlsson C. Mobile Apps That Promote Emotion Regulation, Positive Mental Health, and Well-being in the General Population: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JMIR Mental Health 2021;8(11):e31170 View
  27. Bremer W, Sarker A. Recruitment and retention in mobile application-based intervention studies: a critical synopsis of challenges and opportunities. Informatics for Health and Social Care 2023;48(2):139 View
  28. Almutairi N, Vlahu-Gjorgievska E, Win K. Persuasive features for patient engagement through mHealth applications in managing chronic conditions: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Informatics for Health and Social Care 2023;48(3):267 View
  29. Ahmed A, Ali N, Giannicchi A, Abd-alrazaq A, Ahmed M, Aziz S, Househ M. Mobile applications for mental health self-care: A scoping review. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine Update 2021;1:100041 View
  30. Pacheco C, Scheeringa M. Clinical wisdom in the age of computer apps: a systematic review of four functions that may complement clinical treatment. The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist 2022;15 View
  31. Zainal N, Newman M. A randomized controlled trial of a 14-day mindfulness ecological momentary intervention (MEMI) for generalized anxiety disorder. European Psychiatry 2023;66(1) View
  32. Gan D, McGillivray L, Han J, Christensen H, Torok M. Effect of Engagement With Digital Interventions on Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Digital Health 2021;3 View
  33. Liu Y, Hasimu M, Jia M, Tang J, Wang Y, He X, Yan T, Xie S, Li K. The Effects of APP-Based Intervention for Depression Among Community-Dwelling Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2023;104(2):195 View
  34. Winter N, Russell L, Ugalde A, White V, Livingston P. Engagement Strategies to Improve Adherence and Retention in Web-Based Mindfulness Programs: Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2022;24(1):e30026 View
  35. Denecke K, Schmid N, Nüssli S. Implementation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in e–Mental Health Apps: Literature Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2022;24(3):e27791 View
  36. McCall T, Ali M, Yu F, Fontelo P, Khairat S. Development of a Mobile App to Support Self-management of Anxiety and Depression in African American Women: Usability Study. JMIR Formative Research 2021;5(8):e24393 View
  37. Li S, Achilles M, Werner-Seidler A, Beames J, Subotic-Kerry M, O'Dea B. Appropriate Use and Operationalization of Adherence to Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety in Youth: Systematic Review. JMIR Mental Health 2022;9(8):e37640 View
  38. Lipschitz J, Van Boxtel R, Torous J, Firth J, Lebovitz J, Burdick K, Hogan T. Digital Mental Health Interventions for Depression: Scoping Review of User Engagement. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2022;24(10):e39204 View
  39. Badesha K, Wilde S, Dawson D. Mental health mobile application self‐help for adolescents exhibiting psychological distress: A single case experimental design. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice 2023;96(1):223 View
  40. Balaskas A, Schueller S, Cox A, Rashleigh C, Doherty G, Tizzoni M. Examining young adults daily perspectives on usage of anxiety apps: A user study. PLOS Digital Health 2023;2(1):e0000185 View
  41. Lu S, Xu M, Wang M, Hardi A, Cheng A, Chang S, Yen P. Effectiveness and Minimum Effective Dose of App-Based Mobile Health Interventions for Anxiety and Depression Symptom Reduction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Mental Health 2022;9(9):e39454 View
  42. Huntsman D, Bulaj G. Healthy Dwelling: Design of Biophilic Interior Environments Fostering Self-Care Practices for People Living with Migraines, Chronic Pain, and Depression. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2022;19(4):2248 View
  43. Serrano-Ripoll M, Zamanillo-Campos R, Fiol-DeRoque M, Castro A, Ricci-Cabello I. Impact of Smartphone App–Based Psychological Interventions for Reducing Depressive Symptoms in People With Depression: Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. JMIR mHealth and uHealth 2022;10(1):e29621 View
  44. Comtois K, Mata-Greve F, Johnson M, Pullmann M, Mosser B, Arean P. Effectiveness of Mental Health Apps for Distress During COVID-19 in US Unemployed and Essential Workers: Remote Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial. JMIR mHealth and uHealth 2022;10(11):e41689 View
  45. Ben-Zeev D, Chander A, Tauscher J, Buck B, Nepal S, Campbell A, Doron G. A Smartphone Intervention for People With Serious Mental Illness: Fully Remote Randomized Controlled Trial of CORE. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2021;23(11):e29201 View
  46. Balaskas A, Schueller S, Cox A, Doherty G. Understanding users’ perspectives on mobile apps for anxiety management. Frontiers in Digital Health 2022;4 View
  47. Leong Q, Sridhar S, Blasiak A, Tadeo X, Yeo G, Remus A, Ho D. Characteristics of Mobile Health Platforms for Depression and Anxiety: Content Analysis Through a Systematic Review of the Literature and Systematic Search of Two App Stores. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2022;24(2):e27388 View
  48. Bert F, Lo Moro G, Giacomini G, Minutiello E, Siliquini R. Social media for psychological support of patients with chronic non-infectious diseases: a systematic review. Health Promotion International 2023;38(2) View
  49. Valinskas S, Nakrys M, Aleknavicius K, Jonusas J. Sensa Mobile App for Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Symptoms: Pilot Cohort Study. JMIR Formative Research 2023;7:e40671 View
  50. Tong A, Ho F, Chu O, Mak W. Time-Dependent Changes in Depressive Symptoms Among Control Participants in Digital-Based Psychological Intervention Studies: Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2023;25:e39029 View
  51. Shania M, Handayani P, Asih S. Designing High-Fidelity Mobile Health for Depression in Indonesian Adolescents Using Design Science Research: Mixed Method Approaches. JMIR Formative Research 2023;7:e48913 View
  52. Paganini S, Meier E, Terhorst Y, Wurst R, Hohberg V, Schultchen D, Strahler J, Wursthorn M, Baumeister H, Messner E. Stress Management Apps: Systematic Search and Multidimensional Assessment of Quality and Characteristics. JMIR mHealth and uHealth 2023;11:e42415 View
  53. Wang M, Chen H, Yang F, Xu X, Li J. Effects of digital psychotherapy for depression and anxiety: A systematic review and bayesian network meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders 2023;338:569 View
  54. Seegan P, Miller M, Heliste J, Fathi L, McGuire J. Efficacy of stand-alone digital mental health applications for anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Psychiatric Research 2023;164:171 View
  55. Wang Q, Luan Y, Liu D, Dai J, Wang H, Zhang Y, Wang S, Dong X, Bi H. Guided self‐help mindfulness‐based intervention for increasing psychological resilience and reducing job burnout in psychiatric nurses: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2024;30(4) View
  56. Forbes A, Keleher M, Venditto M, DiBiasi F. Assessing Patient Adherence to and Engagement With Digital Interventions for Depression in Clinical Trials: Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2023;25:e43727 View
  57. Jackson H, Calear A, Batterham P, Ohan J, Farmer G, Farrer L. Skill Enactment and Knowledge Acquisition in Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2023;25:e44673 View
  58. Morello K, Schäfer S, Kunzler A, Priesterroth L, Tüscher O, Kubiak T. Cognitive reappraisal in mHealth interventions to foster mental health in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Digital Health 2023;5 View
  59. Rappaport L, Jerome E, Van Ameringen M, Whittal M, McLean C. North American open-label 16-week trial of the MindShift smartphone app for adult anxiety. Journal of Mood & Anxiety Disorders 2023;4:100036 View
  60. Linardon J, Messer M, Goldberg S, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M. The efficacy of mindfulness apps on symptoms of depression and anxiety: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Psychology Review 2024;107:102370 View
  61. Bautista J, Liu M, Alvarez M, Schueller S. Multi-Media Field Test: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at Our Fingertips: Sanvello Provides On-Demand Support for Mental Health. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice 2024 View
  62. Rapisarda F, Guay S, Ouellet-Morin I, Bond S, Geoffrion S. Longitudinal assessment of psychological distress and its determinants in a sample of firefighters based in Montreal, Canada. Frontiers in Psychology 2024;15 View
  63. Acampora M, Capozza F, Moghani V. Mental Health Literacy, Beliefs and Demand for Mental Health Support. SSRN Electronic Journal 2022 View
  64. Greywoode R, Nahvi S, Ullman T, Keefer L. Feasibility and Acceptability of Digital Behavioral Interventions Among Black and Hispanic Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Randomized Pilot Study. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2024 View
  65. İzgi Tezcan C, Suna G, Karabulak A. Yetişkin Bireylerde E-Sağlık Mobil Uygulama Destekli Beslenme ve Egzersiz Programlarının Vücut Kompozisyonu ve Bazı Kan Parametreleri Üzerine Etkisinin İncelenmesi. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 2024;15(1):17 View
  66. Solis E, Carlier I, Kamminga N, Giltay E, van Hemert A. The clinical effectiveness of a self-management intervention for patients with persistent depressive disorder and their partners/caregivers: results from a multicenter, pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Trials 2024;25(1) View
  67. Bisconti N, Odier M, Becker M, Bullock K. Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile App–Based TEAM-CBT (Testing Empathy Assessment Methods–Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) Intervention (Feeling Good) for Depression: Secondary Data Analysis. JMIR Mental Health 2024;11:e52369 View
  68. Pavlacic J, Hampton B, Young J, Witcraft S, Flores C, Vázquez A, Rheingold A. Systematic Review of Mindfulness-Based Ecological Momentary Interventions: Synthesizing Current Methods and Identifying Directions for Future Research. Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science 2024 View
  69. Omylinska-Thurston J, Aithal S, Liverpool S, Clark R, Moula Z, Wood J, Viliardos L, Rodríguez-Dorans E, Farish-Edwards F, Parsons A, Eisenstadt M, Bull M, Dubrow-Marshall L, Thurston S, Karkou V. Digital Psychotherapies for Adults Experiencing Depressive Symptoms: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Mental Health 2024;11:e55500 View
  70. De Luca V, Marston H, Angelini L, Militeva N, Klimczuk A, Fabian C, Papitto P, Bernardo J, ventura f, Silva R, Attaianese E, Korkmaz N, Mercurio L, Rinaldi A, Gentile M, Polverino R, Bone K, van Staalduinen W, Apostolo J, Dantas C, Illario M. Smart Healthy Age-Friendly Environments (SHAFE) Bridging Innovation to Health Promotion and Health Service Provision. SSRN Electronic Journal 2024 View
  71. Yang X, Wang Z, Tian Y, Peng C, Yang H, Wu Y. Effects of comprehensive nursing with cognitive behavioral therapy in orthodontic osteodilated arch treatment. World Journal of Clinical Cases 2024;12(22):5051 View
  72. Reen J, Chan G, Orji R. iCare: Insights from the Evaluation of an App for Managing Stress Among Working-Class Indian Women. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction 2024:1 View
  73. Linardon J, Firth J, Torous J, Messer M, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M. Efficacy of mental health smartphone apps on stress levels: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Health Psychology Review 2024;18(4):839 View
  74. Renn B, Walker T, Edds B, Roots M, Raue P. Naturalistic use of a digital mental health intervention for depression and anxiety: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Affective Disorders 2025;368:429 View
  75. Eaton C, Vallejo N, McDonald X, Wu J, Rodríguez R, Muthusamy N, Mathioudakis N, Riekert K. User Engagement With mHealth Interventions to Promote Treatment Adherence and Self-Management in People With Chronic Health Conditions: Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2024;26:e50508 View
  76. Al Dweik R, Ajaj R, Kotb R, Halabi D, Sadier N, Sarsour H, Elhadi Y. Opportunities and challenges in leveraging digital technology for mental health system strengthening: a systematic review to inform interventions in the United Arab Emirates. BMC Public Health 2024;24(1) View
  77. Ellison O, Bullard L, Lee G, Vazou S, Pfeiffer K, Baez S, Pontifex M. Examining efficacy and potential mechanisms of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety and stress reduction among college students in a cluster-randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology 2024;24(4):100514 View
  78. Rajeshkumar L, Mishkind M, Coleman J, Pahwa M, LaPreze D, Solenske S, Wright J. Computer-assisted Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mobile Apps for Depression and Anxiety: Evidence-based Digital Tools for Clinical Practice. Journal of Psychiatric Practice 2024 View
  79. Serck-Hanssen I, Solheim-Witt M, Anker J, Sugarman D. An Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Positive Psychology Informed Resource to Address Stress, Negative Affect and Problematic Alcohol Use: A Usability and Descriptive Study (Preprint). JMIR Formative Research 2024 View

Books/Policy Documents

  1. Castelnuovo G, Manzoni G. Comprehensive Clinical Psychology. View
  2. Rodrigues J, Oliveira F, Ribeiro C, Santos R. Digital Therapies in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health. View
  3. Fiorentino M, Dastan M, Ajroudi S, Boccaccio A, Uva A. Revolutions in Product Design for Healthcare. View
  4. Six S, Harris M, Winterlind E, Byrne K. HCI International 2021 - Late Breaking Posters. View
  5. Strauss J, Zhang J, Jarrett M, Patterson B, Van Ameringen M. Mental Health in a Digital World. View
  6. Gál É. Smartphone Apps for Health and Wellness. View
  7. Tiwari A, Chugh A, Sharma A. Innovations in Artificial Intelligence and Human-Computer Interaction in the Digital Era. View
  8. De Luca V, Marston H, Angelini L, Militeva N, Klimczuk A, Fabian C, Papitto P, Bernardo J, Ventura F, Silva R, Attaianese E, Korkmaz N, Mercurio L, Maria Rinaldi A, Gentile M, Polverino R, Bone K, van Staalduinen W, Apostolo J, Dantas C, Illario M. Intergenerational Relations - Contemporary Theories, Studies and Policies. View
  9. Reen J, Friday A, Chan G, Orji R. Human-Computer Interaction. View
  10. Chakraborty T, Sharada V, Gohain D. AI Technologies and Advancements for Psychological Well-Being and Healthcare. View