JoyPop App for Mental Health

Overseen By Aislin R Mushquash, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Lakehead University

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Over 25, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 4 weeks

110 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests the effectiveness of a mental health app called JoyPop for young adults in Northwestern Ontario who are waiting for mental health services. The app aims to assist with emotion regulation, a common challenge for those facing mental health issues. Participants will either continue with usual practices or use the JoyPop app for four weeks to evaluate its effectiveness while awaiting further care. This trial suits individuals aged 18-25 who are already on a waitlist for mental health services at St. Joseph's Care Group or Thunder Bay Counselling Centre and can attend an orientation session. Participants need access to an iOS device, but a device with the app can be provided if necessary. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative mental health solutions while potentially benefiting from early access to supportive technology.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on using the JoyPop app alongside usual practices.

What prior data suggests that the JoyPop app is safe for mental health support?

Research has shown that the JoyPop Mobile Mental Health App is safe to use. Studies have found that apps like JoyPop can help overcome common obstacles to accessing mental health care and improve outcomes for young people. Designed to assist in managing emotions, this app addresses challenges often faced by youth with mental health issues. While research continues, growing evidence suggests that JoyPop is well-received. No major reports of negative effects have emerged from its use. Overall, the app appears to be a safe tool to support mental health in young people transitioning to adulthood. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the JoyPop mobile app because it offers a unique approach to mental health support by leveraging digital technology. Unlike traditional treatments for mental health, which often involve in-person therapy sessions or medication, JoyPop allows users to access mental health resources directly on their smartphones. This not only makes support more accessible and convenient but also empowers users to engage with mental health tools on their own schedule, potentially increasing adherence and personal agency. By integrating self-help tools, mood tracking, and relaxation exercises, JoyPop could provide a more holistic and user-friendly experience, making it a promising complement to existing mental health care options.

What evidence suggests that the JoyPop app is effective for mental health support?

Research has shown that the JoyPop mobile mental health app can help young people manage their emotions more effectively, a common challenge for those with mental health issues. Studies have found that using the app can reduce stress and symptoms of depression. In this trial, some participants will access the JoyPop app alongside usual practice, while others will be monitored through existing wait-list practices before receiving the app. For college and university students, the app has been linked to improved mental health and well-being. It also helps build resilience, enabling recovery from stress. These findings suggest that the JoyPop app could be a valuable tool for young people facing mental health challenges. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for transitional-aged youth (TAY) aged 18-25 in Northwestern Ontario who are experiencing mental distress and waiting for mental health services. It's designed to help those struggling with emotion regulation, anxiety, depression, or stress.

Inclusion Criteria

Participants will need access to an iOS device (e.g., iPhone, iPad) to download the JoyPop app. Refurbished iPhones containing just the JoyPop app will be provided to participants to use for the duration of the trial if they do not have access to their own.

I am 18-25 years old and waiting for mental health services at St. Joseph's or Thunder Bay.

I can attend an orientation session, either online or in person.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive access to the JoyPop app for 4 weeks while being monitored through existing wait-list practices

4 weeks

Baseline, 2 weeks (mid), 4 weeks (post)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in emotion regulation and mental health difficulties after the treatment phase

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• JoyPop Mobile Mental Health App

Trial Overview The study tests the JoyPop mobile app as a tool to support TAY while they wait for professional mental health services. Participants will either use their usual practices without the app or incorporate JoyPop into their routine. The effectiveness of JoyPop compared to usual practice is being evaluated through a randomized controlled trial.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Usual Practice + JoyPop Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be monitored through the existing wait-list practices, and will receive access to the JoyPop app for 4 weeks.

Group II: Usual Practice Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will be monitored through existing wait-list practices. After 4 weeks in the Usual Practice condition, participants will be offered access to the JoyPop app.

JoyPop Mobile Mental Health App is already approved in Canada for the following indications:

Approved in Canada as JoyPop for:

• Stress
• Emotional Processing
• Depression

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Lakehead University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

29

Recruited

3,900+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Mobile applications have been shown to effectively reduce symptoms in patients with mental disorders, including depression, mania, and psychosis, based on a systematic review of 14 randomized controlled trials involving 1307 patients.

Interventions that include features like feedback, notifications, and data tracking lead to better outcomes, suggesting that well-designed mobile apps can serve as valuable supplements to traditional clinical treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of mobile applications for patients with severe mental illness: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Kim, SK., Lee, M., Jeong, H., et al.[2022]

Consumers generally view mobile mental health apps positively, highlighting their potential to supplement traditional mental health care rather than replace it.

To enhance user engagement, app developers should focus on factors such as ease of use, content usefulness, privacy, and personalization to meet individual needs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

User perceptions of mobile digital apps for mental health: Acceptability and usability - An integrative review. Chan, AHY., Honey, MLL.[2022]

A review of 92 mental health apps for depression and anxiety revealed that half did not meet basic accessibility standards, and 20% failed to ensure security and privacy, raising concerns about their safety and effectiveness.

Only one app out of the most visible ten on app stores met all quality criteria, indicating a disconnect between app popularity and actual quality, which could mislead vulnerable users seeking mental health support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic assessment of the quality and integrity of popular mental health smartphone apps using the American Psychiatric Association's app evaluation model. Rickard, NS., Kurt, P., Meade, T.[2022]

The gamified mobile mental health app eQuoo significantly improved resilience, personal growth, and psychological well-being in 358 participants over a 5-week randomized controlled trial, compared to control groups.

With a high adherence rate of 90%, eQuoo retained 21% more participants than the control or waitlist groups, suggesting that gamification can enhance engagement and reduce dropout rates in mental health interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gamification as an approach to improve resilience and reduce attrition in mobile mental health interventions: A randomized controlled trial. Litvin, S., Saunders, R., Maier, MA., et al.[2020]

A systematic review of 13 studies suggests that casual video games (CVGs) can be effective in treating mental health issues like anxiety, depression, stress, and low mood.

The review highlights the potential of CVGs as an accessible and engaging alternative treatment option, especially for individuals who may not engage with traditional mental health treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Low Mood: A Systematic Review. Pine, R., Fleming, T., McCallum, S., et al.[2021]

A meta-analysis of 19 trials involving 3681 participants found that standalone smartphone apps significantly reduced symptoms of depression and smoking behavior, with effect sizes indicating moderate efficacy (Hedges' g = 0.33 for depression and g = 0.39 for smoking).

However, the analysis did not find significant effects for anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-injury, or alcohol use, suggesting that while some apps may help with specific issues, they cannot be recommended as standalone treatments for mental health based on current evidence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Standalone smartphone apps for mental health-a systematic review and meta-analysis. Weisel, KK., Fuhrmann, LM., Berking, M., et al.[2020]

The JoyPop™ app was well-received by both youth (6 participants aged 12-17) and mental health service providers (7 participants aged 32-60), with users finding it easy to learn and use, and beneficial for accessing coping skills and improving mental health outcomes.

Both groups expressed positive feelings about the app's integration into traditional mental health services, although they also raised concerns about mobile health apps in general and provided suggestions for improvement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Female youth and mental health service providers' perspectives on the JoyPop™ app: a qualitative study. Malik, I., Perez, A., Toombs, E., et al.[2023]

A systematic review of 52 studies on mental health apps (MHapps) found that these apps can effectively reduce mental health symptoms and improve well-being, with a small effect size for symptom reduction (Hedges g=-0.24) and a medium effect for emotion regulation (g=0.49).

Despite the promising outcomes, many studies had unclear or high risk of bias, indicating a need for more rigorous research to ensure the effectiveness and quality of MHapps, especially those targeting emotion regulation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mobile Apps That Promote Emotion Regulation, Positive Mental Health, and Well-being in the General Population: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Eisenstadt, M., Liverpool, S., Infanti, E., et al.[2023]

A review of 92 mental health screening and diagnostic apps revealed that while 65% of user reviews were positive, many apps suffer from high dropout rates due to issues with functionality and accessibility.

Common features like mood tracking were present in 74% of the apps, but improvements in performance and user experience are needed to enhance sustained use and effectiveness in supporting mental health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

mHealth Solutions for Mental Health Screening and Diagnosis: A Review of App User Perspectives Using Sentiment and Thematic Analysis. Funnell, EL., Spadaro, B., Martin-Key, N., et al.[2022]

A consensus framework for assessing e-mental health apps was developed by 25 Canadian stakeholders, emphasizing the need for evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and user-centered evaluations to help consumers identify high-quality apps.

The framework includes 9 guiding principles and 15 criteria, focusing on aspects like effectiveness, usability, security, and inclusivity, which are tailored to meet the diverse needs of Canadian users, setting it apart from other assessment tools.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Assessment Framework for e-Mental Health Apps in Canada: Results of a Modified Delphi Process. Zelmer, J., van Hoof, K., Notarianni, M., et al.[2023]

A study involving 149 veterans with mental health conditions found that interest in mobile health (MH) apps was consistent across different demographic groups, including race, sex, and education level.

Interestingly, older patients and those with less severe symptoms showed less interest in MH apps, suggesting that these apps may appeal to a broader range of patients than traditional clinic-based services.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patient interest in mental health mobile app interventions: Demographic and symptom-level differences. Lipschitz, JM., Connolly, SL., Miller, CJ., et al.[2021]

Mobile phone-based psychotherapies, including apps and text messages, are feasible and generally acceptable for treating various mental health disorders, as shown by a review of 24 studies with good retention rates.

While these interventions show potential benefits for mental health outcomes, the evidence on their effectiveness in real-world settings is still limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychotherapeutic Applications of Mobile Phone-based Technologies: A Systematic Review of Current Research and Trends. Menon, V., Rajan, TM., Sarkar, S.[2022]

Mobile applications can significantly enhance mental health services by increasing access to evidence-based care and actively engaging patients in their treatment process.

There is a need for further research to validate the effectiveness of these mobile applications in clinical practice, focusing on usability, adherence, and their overall impact on treatment outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

mHealth: a mechanism to deliver more accessible, more effective mental health care. Price, M., Yuen, EK., Goetter, EM., et al.[2022]

Citations

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Promoting mental health and wellbeing among post ... Results will determine the effectiveness of the JoyPop™ app for promoting mental health and wellbeing among post-secondary students. If ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06239545

JoyPop Mobile Mental Health App With Transitional-Aged ... The JoyPop app was developed to support improved emotion regulation - a key difficulty for youth presenting with mental health challenges. Mobile mental health ...

3. humanfactors.jmir.org humanfactors.jmir.org/2025/1/e65472

Usability and Quality of the JoyPop App - JMIR Human Factors The JoyPop app is a resilience-building mental health app with evidence supporting its effectiveness for student mental health. It has yet to be ...

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to 25-Year-Old Indigenous Youth With the JoyPop Mobile ... Objective: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the JoyPop app in increasing emotion regulation skills for ...

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/digital-health/articles/10.3389/fdgth.2025.1503428/full

Acceptance of a mental health app (JoyPop TM ) for ... Research among postsecondary students suggests that using the app is associated with improved emotion regulation, stress, and depressive ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12248135/

Usability and Quality of the JoyPop App Mobile health smartphone apps for mental health reduce common barriers to care and improve student mental health outcomes. However, students' engagement and use ...

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06239519

JoyPop Mobile Mental Health App With Youth The JoyPop app was developed to support improved emotion regulation - an ability still undergoing development during adolescence and which can present as a key ...

8. trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-024-08424-y

Promoting mental health and wellbeing among post ... - Trials The JoyPop™ app is mobile mental health tool with a growing evidence base. The objectives of this research are to (1) evaluate the effectiveness ...