Background:
MoodGYM is an interactive web-based program designed to prevent and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Based on cognitive behaviour therapy, the MoodGYM program aims to change dysfunctional thoughts and improve problem solving, relaxation and interpersonal skills. Although much research has been conducted on the effectiveness of MoodGYM with an adult population, with very positive results, little research has been conducted on the adolescent and young adult population for which the program was designed. The current study therefore aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the MoodGYM program in reducing adolescents' symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Methods:
Twenty-nine schools from across Australia were involved in the current study, with 1450 students aged 13-17 years consenting to participate. Each school was randomly assigned to the experimental or control group based on their location (city or rural) and funding (government or private). All participating students completed the first self-report questionnaire the week before students in the experimental condition began the MoodGYM program. The MoodGYM program was delivered to students over a 5-week period. All participating students completed a second and third self-report questionnaire 1 and 6 months after the completion of the MoodGYM program.
Results:
The current paper will present preliminary results from the first two questionnaires. Pre- and posttest comparisons will be made for the measures of anxiety and depression.
Conclusion:
Findings from the current study will help to inform schools about the usefulness of a self-guided approach to learning about mental health using the Internet.
