Investigating the feasibility of MePlusMe, an online intervention to support mental health, well-being, and study skills in higher education students

Abstract

Introduction

While there are several web-based mental health interventions, few target higher education (HE) students. Importantly, more research is needed to establish their effectiveness. Here, we provide a pragmatic evaluation of an online intervention (MePlusMe) specifically designed to improve the mental health, well-being, and study skills of HE students.

Methods

In accordance with the published protocol for a feasibility study, we recruited a convenience sample of 137 HE students to participate in an eight-week intervention, with 26 participants retained at week 8. Validated measures of mood (depression and anxiety), well-being, and self-efficacy were collected at baseline, 2, 4, and 8 weeks, alongside two feedback forms assessing design and functionality (baseline) and engagement (week 4 and 8).

Results

We observed significant reductions in levels of anxiety and depression as well as increases in well-being, but no changes in self-efficacy. Participants rated the system design and functionality positively and qualitative findings indicated high levels of satisfaction with MePlusMe.

Discussion

Findings support both the acceptability and the effectiveness of MePlusMe. Nonetheless, modest retention rates limit the precision and generalisability of these findings. Further investigation should ascertain optimal duration of engagement, most acceptable means of outcome assessment, and further detail about obstacles to utilisation.

Keywords:

• Students
• online support
• study skills
• anxiety
• depression
• MePlusMe
• mental health
• well-being
• digital intervention
• higher education institutions
• student support services
• COVID-19

Acknowledgements

This article received writing support from Dr Rhianna Goozee, a freelance writer and editor. All authors have contributed to the writing of the paper and authorize the submission of the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

AB and MPP are pro bono Research Associates for iConcipio Ltd.; PT is the founder and CEO of iConcipio Ltd.; iConcipio Ltd. is the developer of MePlusMe. No author has received any payment for this work to date. If the intervention is profitably commercialised and should any of the authors be employed at the time, then their profits will be in the form of a salary.