College student veterans' experience with a mindfulness- and acceptance-based mobile app intervention for PTSD: A qualitative study

• Published in: Archives of psychiatric nursing Vol. 34; no. 6; pp. 497 - 506
• Main Authors: Reyes, Andrew Thomas, Serafica, Reimund, Sojobi, Angela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-12-2020
• Subjects: College student veterans; Mindfulness; Nursing; PTSD; Resilience; Smartphone app; College student veterans; PTSD; Mindfulness; Smartphone app; Resilience
• ISSN: 0883-9417; 1532-8228
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2020.09.005

This study aimed to explore college student military veterans' experience with a mindfulness- and acceptance-based smartphone app intervention. Upon the 4-week participation in the intervention, 23 student veterans took part in semi-structured interviews. In the thematic analysis of the interview transcripts, three main themes emerged: (1) generating momentum of app use; (2) optimizing the functions and benefits of the app; and (3) resolving to deepen the practice of mindfulness and acceptance. Considering the low engagement rates of several previous app-based studies, our results provide a useful framework for incorporating human feedback and support in enhancing users' engagement with the app.
•Mindfulness app interventions are a feasible self-management approach for PTSD.•Engagement of e-mental health users is critical in facilitating adherence.•User feedback and support enhance engagement with e-mental health interventions.