Mechanisms of Change in Digital Mental Health Interventions: A Literature Review
Method Stream: Literature Review
ECs Only 14 EC (standard, no new/own data collection. Applicable in case of a clinical internship)
Description:
Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs), such as online therapy programs, mental health apps, and other digital self-help tools, are increasingly used to support the prevention and treatment of mental health problems. While many studies examine whether these interventions are effective, much less is known about how they produce their effects. Despite growing interest in digital mental health interventions, the mechanisms through which these interventions lead to psychological change remain poorly understood and are often only implicitly assumed rather than empirically tested. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for improving intervention design, effectiveness, and implementation.
The aim of this thesis is to conduct a literature review examining the mechanisms of change in digital mental health interventions. The student will review empirical and theoretical literature to identify which psychological, behavioral, or social processes are proposed or tested as mechanisms through which digital interventions influence mental health outcomes. Examples of potential mechanisms include cognitive change, behavioral activation, emotion regulation, self-efficacy, and engagement with the intervention.
The thesis will synthesize the current literature to identify common mechanisms studied in digital mental health interventions, examine how these mechanisms are measured and tested, and identify gaps in the existing evidence base. The student will develop a conceptual overview of mechanisms linking intervention components, psychological processes, and mental health outcomes. The review will contribute to a better understanding of how digital interventions work and provide insights for future research and intervention design.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a motivated PCPT student with an interest in digital mental health, psychological interventions, and theoretical questions about how interventions produce change. Affinity with literature reviews and conceptual thinking is recommended.
What do we offer?
This thesis connects to ongoing research on engagement and mechanisms of change in digital mental health interventions within the Engaging eHealth Interventions-lab. The thesis will provide an opportunity to develop expertise in the mechanisms underlying psychological interventions and the design of digital mental health tools.