PERCEIVED EFFECTIVENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH MOBILE APPLICATIONS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Abstract

This study examines the perceived effectiveness of mental health mobile applications among college students. Using a descriptive-comparative quantitative research design, it explores the demographic profile of respondents, the mental health apps they have accessed and used, the positive and negative effects of these apps, and any significant differences in perceptions based on gender. The study employed snowball sampling to recruit participants and utilized an online survey titled Perceived Effectiveness Scale, consisting of 20 questions assessing both the benefits and drawbacks of mental health mobile applications. A total of 176 college students from Philippine higher education institutions in Metro Manila, who experience mental health challenges and use these applications, participated in the study. Findings indicate that the majority of users are 22 years old or older (69.89%), with a higher proportion of female users (40.43%). The most frequently accessed app is Lusog Isip, followed by BetterHelp and TalkSpace. While respondents acknowledge the benefits of these apps in managing mental health conditions, stress, and therapy access, they also express concerns about efficacy, privacy, and potential dependency. Significant differences in perceptions based on gender highlight the importance of tailored approaches in app development and marketing to address diverse user needs. The study recommends that users carefully select mental health applications based on their age group, personal preferences, privacy considerations, and potential negative effects. Developers should focus on designing age-specific, personalized, and user-friendly applications with comprehensive features, strong privacy measures, and inclusive representation to enhance accessibility and effectiveness for all users.