Effects of a mobile-based self-management program on mental health in young adults: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Young adults in South Korea experience high stress from academic and economic pressures, but help-seeking and service use remain low. Mobile-based interventions have emerged as promising strategies to improve access to mental health support; however, empirical evidence for non-clinical young adult populations remains limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of DodaMe, a mobile-based self-management program integrating positive psychology and behavioral activation, in improving mental health outcomes among community-dwelling young adults with elevated stress.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial with a wait-list control group evaluated DodaMe, a 4-week mobile self-management program integrating Positive Psychology and Behavioral Activation, followed by a 4-week self-directed phase. Participants were recruited nationwide in South Korea from community-based youth and mental health service settings. A total of 179 young adults (aged 19-34) with elevated stress were randomized to the intervention (n = 92) or wait-list control group (n = 87). Stress (primary outcome) and depression, anxiety, and resilience (secondary outcomes) were assessed at baseline, 2, 4, and 8 weeks, and analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Week 8 program quality and app usage data were analyzed to assess acceptability and engagement.

RESULTS

The intervention showed a small, non-significant reduction in stress compared with the wait-list control group [B = -0.21, 95% CI (-0.41, 0.00)]. Resilience improved significantly, although the effect was small [B = 0.23, 95% CI (0.09, 0.37)]. No significant effects were found for depression or anxiety, with small effect sizes at 8 weeks. Participants evaluated the program positively, particularly its functionality and usefulness, while engagement data revealed frequent use of emotional check-ins and gratitude journaling.

CONCLUSIONS

DodaMe did not significantly reduce stress but showed a small significant improvement in resilience among Korean young adults. The intervention may be a usable and potentially scalable approach for supporting mental health in community-dwelling young adults, but further refinement and adequately powered trials are needed to evaluate its effectiveness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07174544).

Copyright © 2026 Oh, Choi, Mohr and Na.