Using a mobile app to help people with serious mental illness improve social interactions
Context-Aware Mobile Intervention for Social Recovery in Serious Mental Illness
This study is testing a new mobile app that works with in-person therapy to help people with serious mental illness feel less lonely and improve their social skills by giving them personalized support and encouragement based on their daily experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11220723 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a new mobile intervention designed to reduce social isolation and enhance social functioning in individuals with serious mental illness. The approach combines in-person therapy with a smartphone app that provides context-aware support, using sensors to tailor interventions based on the user's environment and social situations. By addressing factors like anxious avoidance and negative attitudes towards social interactions, the intervention aims to foster better social engagement and reduce feelings of loneliness. Participants will receive personalized coaching and prompts through their mobile devices to encourage positive social behaviors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness who experience social isolation and difficulties in social interactions.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have serious mental illness or those who are not experiencing social isolation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the social lives and overall well-being of patients with serious mental illness.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using mobile interventions for mental health, indicating that this approach could be effective, though the specific context-aware method is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Granholm, Eric L — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Granholm, Eric L
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.