Short app-based activities to reduce distress and boost wellbeing for breast cancer survivors
Evaluating Digital Micro-Interventions to Reduce Distress and Increase Wellbeing in Breast Cancer Survivors
Short app-based activities designed to help breast cancer survivors feel less anxious or depressed and improve overall emotional wellbeing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11260163 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds on an app called IntelliCare that delivers five brief, targeted activities (digital micro-interventions or DMIs) you can use during your day. The team is adding new DMIs aimed at boosting wellbeing—such as increasing social contact and positive emotions—and improving in-app guidance about the best timing to use each activity. They will gather user feedback (building on exit interviews from 210 survivors) and test how these DMIs affect mood, anxiety, and daily functioning. The approach focuses on brief, easy-to-use tools that fit into everyday life rather than long therapy sessions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Breast cancer survivors, particularly those within five years of diagnosis who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, depression, or lower wellbeing, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer, those with severe unmanaged psychiatric conditions, or survivors who do not use or have access to smartphone apps may not receive benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these app activities could reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms and help survivors feel more socially connected and positive in daily life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of IntelliCare and other brief digital interventions have shown promise for reducing depression and anxiety, though adding wellbeing-focused micro-interventions and timing guidance is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chow, Philip — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Chow, Philip
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.