Development and Evaluation of a Smartphone App to Reduce Suicidal Thoughts and Improve Mood in Adolescents Aged 13 to 17

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to develop and test a smartphone app designed to reduce suicide risk and improve emotional well-being in adolescents aged 13 to 17 years who have experienced recent suicidal thoughts. The study focuses on adolescents who may have difficulty experiencing pleasure or positive emotions, known as anhedonia, which can increase suicide risk and reduce the effectiveness of existing treatments. The main question is whether the app is practical and acceptable for daily use by adolescents. The app uses a just-in-time adaptive intervention approach, delivering brief activities and coping tools throughout the day to encourage healthy reward-seeking behaviors and improve mood. Adolescents will participate in focus groups to provide feedback on the apps design and usability. The study includes real-time surveys several times daily to assess mood, motivation, thoughts, and experiences. Legal guardians will also join focus groups and complete assessments regarding their experience with the app. Participants will be involved in interviews, questionnaires, and digital assessments related to mood, emotions, coping behaviors, reward sensitivity, and suicidal thoughts. The main outcomes measured are the acceptability and usability of the digital intervention. The study is currently recruiting for Phase 1, with research expected to continue until 2027. Findings will help guide future digital suicide prevention tools for adolescents.

Reward Sensitivity Digital Intervention for Suicide Risk