Evaluating the JoyPop Mobile App to Support Emotion Regulation in Indigenous Youth Aged 18 to 25 Waiting for Mental Health Services

What this Trial Is About

Indigenous youth aged 18 to 25 in Northwestern Ontario who need mental health support often face longer wait times than non-Indigenous youth, which can worsen symptoms and increase risks like suicide or hospitalization. This research evaluates the JoyPop mobile mental health app designed to help improve emotion regulation for these transitional-aged youth while they wait for mental health services. The study is a randomized controlled trial comparing the apps impact to usual wait-list monitoring practices. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will use the JoyPop app for four weeks alongside usual wait-list monitoring, which includes regular check-in phone calls. The other group will receive usual wait-list monitoring alone for four weeks before being offered access to the app. The JoyPop app encourages usage at least twice daily but does not require specific usage rules. Throughout the study, emotion regulation will be measured before, during, and after the four-week period using a standardized scale. Additional assessments include mental health symptoms, treatment readiness, and economic impacts. Participants may attend virtual or in-person orientation sessions, and those without iOS devices will receive refurbished iPhones with the app. The study concludes by reviewing changes in emotion regulation and related outcomes, with the entire participation lasting at least four weeks.

JoyPop Mobile Mental Health App With Indigenous Transitional-Aged Youth