Predictors of depression outcomes among university students following brief smartphone-based interventions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Smartphone-delivered interventions offer a scalable solution for university students experiencing depression, yet outcomes remain inconsistent. This study examined predictors of depression remission and response in the AI-enhanced Vibe Up adaptive trial of brief smartphone-based interventions in 1282 Australian university students (mean age 23.52 years; 78.39% women) with elevated distress (Kessler-10 ≥ 20). After a two-week monitoring period, participants were randomised to two-week self-guided smartphone-based interventions targeting sleep hygiene, mindfulness, physical activity, or an ecological momentary assessment control intervention. Predictors of depression remission (DASS-21 in normal range) and response (≥50% reduction) were examined using hierarchical logistic regression. At post-intervention, 40.87% achieved remission and 29.88% showed response. Baseline depression severity, quality of life, general practitioner visits, and pre-intervention credibility predicted remission and/or response across all intervention arms. Higher baseline anxiety specifically predicted poorer remission in the sleep hygiene arm. Individual factors modestly predicted outcomes. Trajectory-based predictors may be needed to improve outcome prediction.
Source: npj Mental Health Research
Authors: Xuanchen Liu, WuYi Zheng, Leonard Hoon, Sunil Gupta, Svetha Venkatesh, Helen Christensen, Jill Newby, Alexis E. Whitton, Alexis E. Whitton, Akash Agarwal, Joshua Asbury, Joanne R. Beames, Julian Berk, Stuart Cameron, Henry Cutler, Omar Dabash, Joost Funke Kupper, Jin Han, Kit Huckvale, Stefanus Kurniawan, Rena Logothetis, Andrew Mackinnon, Kon Mouzakis, Simon Rosenbaum, Artur Shvetcov, Manisha Senadeera, Aimy Slade, Eileen Stech, Rajesh Vasa, Aliza Werner-Seidler
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,390
Awards: CORE-DEP: Centre of Research Excellence in Depression Treatment Precision, Improving outcomes for people with Illness Anxiety Disorder, Landmark population trials in suicide prevention, Targeting anhedonia to improve clinical and functional outcomes in depression, Optimising treatments in mental health using AI
OpenAlex ID: W7154693626