Blended mobile health and wellness coaching enhances student engagement in mental health care Michael Reifman [1] , Xiao Cao [1] , Michelle L. Rozwadowski [1] , Jaeryeong Kim [1] , Maxwell Kluge [1] , Uma L. Subrayan [1] , Marsha Benz [2] , Amanda Reis [2] , Jevon Moore [2] , Kerby Shedden [3] , Sung Won Choi* [1]

https://www.academia.edu/2997-9196/3/2/10.20935/MHealthWellB8298 Introduction: Mental health challenges are common among college students, highlighting the need for scalable approaches that aim to reduce distress and support well-being. mHealth tools may complement campus services, though sustained engagement may be difficult. This study sought to discover how a blended intervention combining an mHealth positive psychology intervention (PPI) app with optional wellness coaching might impact student well-being. Materials and methods: In this single-arm pilot study, 28 students at a public university were given access to a PPI app (Roadmap 2.0) with mood tracking, a Fitbit® wearable device, and optional wellness coaching. Data sources included PROMIS® surveys at baseline and monthly follow-ups, daily mood ratings, app engagement logs, wearable-derived activity metrics, coaching attendance, and optional exit interviews. Analyses were descriptive and exploratory. Results: From baseline to exit, participants showed descriptive increases in PROMIS® global mental health and positive affect and decreases in depression, anxiety, fatigue, and anger. App engagement declined over time. In exploratory models, app engagement was lower among participants reporting greater psychosocial resources or support. Mood ratings were higher in the days following PPI activity completion, and PPI activity users were observed to have higher mood ratings over time. Interviews supported perceived app–coaching synergy and identified barriers to sustained engagement. Conclusions: A blended PPI mHealth app plus wellness coaching appears feasible in a real-world college setting and was associated with favorable descriptive trends in mental health and well-being outcomes. Controlled studies are needed to evaluate efficacy and assess app versus coaching contributions. https://www.academia.edu/journals/academia-mental-health-and-well-being/articles?source=journal-top-nav