Exploring the Effects of a Smartphone App on Psychological Well-Being in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Stress management and well-being are increasingly recognized as important due to their documented impact on students’ physical and mental health. Traditional mental health support services often face challenges of accessibility, stigma and limited capacity, highlighting the need for innovative interventions. This study aimed to explore the preliminary effects of a smartphone-based intervention designed to reduce stress and promote well-being in university students through exercises based on positive psychology, mindfulness and self-compassion. In addition to evaluating its efficacy, the study also explores user engagement and perceived usability. We developed a controlled randomised trial; 98 students were randomly allocated to intervention ( n = 46) and control ( n = 52) groups. Both groups completed two self-report questionnaires, one before (T0) and one after (T1) the intervention. The intervention group used the app over a three-week period. The intervention did not lead to a significant reduction in perceived stress; however, small-to-moderate effects were found for other outcomes. In particular, the intervention appeared to prevent a deterioration and modestly improve psychological capital dimensions related to hope and resilience (e.g., η p ² = 0.095 for hope; η p ² = 0.044 for resilience). Psychosomatic malaise also decreased in the intervention group (η p ² = 0.040), with an interaction effect close to significance ( p = .051), but not supported by post hoc comparisons. Life satisfaction improved significantly over time in the intervention group (η p ² = 0.052). User feedback indicated good usability and moderate engagement, although suggestions were made to improve the interactivity, customisation and content diversity of the app. These findings offer preliminary insights into the potential of mobile health (mHealth) interventions to support students’ mental health by addressing barriers such as stigma and accessibility. However, given the exploratory nature of this study and its methodological limitations, further research is necessary to determine the actual effectiveness and applicability of such tools in broader and more rigorous contexts.