Strategies for mental well-being
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Escaping the escape: Exploring prevalence and psychological mechanisms underlying problematic smartphone use as a contributing and maintaining factor for depression and anxiety in a clinical setting
IRAS ID
349230
Contact name
Marvin Dadischeck
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
Problematic smartphone use (PSU) has become a growing behavioural health concern. Driven by the expectation that checking the phone is going to be rewarding, people increasingly rely on their phones to escape from stress and negative emotions. However, this maladaptive coping strategy can backfire as reflected by increasing mental health rates in the context of PSU. Building on earlier research showing that reducing smartphone use can improve depression and anxiety in the general population, the goal of the present study is to further elucidate psychological mechanisms that explain PSU's relationships with depression and anxiety in a clinical setting. Findings will inform intervention design for an increasing mental health factor.
The study is based on a survey-based design (Phase 1) supplemented by an optional feasibility study (Phase 2). The online survey will take 15-20 minutes and gather data on variables which may explain the relationship between smartphone use and mental health, such as ruminating over problems and strategies to cope with problems. After the survey, participants can opt-in for the additional feasibility study. This involves downloading a new self-help resource that is designed to support people in achieving more boundaried smartphone use habits in order to improve mental health outcomes. After three weeks of using the resource at home, participants complete a brief outcome survey to assess its acceptance and efficacy.
Recruitment considers adults who are waiting for support by mental health services within NHS Lothian. They can take part if they own a smartphone and are currently not receiving psychotherapeutic support. During recruitment, participants will be blinded to the study goals to avoid bias. At the end of the survey, a debrief will inform them about the true study goals alongside support resources and options to opt-in to the pilot-study and a prize draw to win an Amazon voucher.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0048
Date of REC Opinion
30 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion