Preliminary effectiveness study of the Cope Notes digital mental Health program

Abstract

Background

Cope Notes is a subscription-based EMI that uses Short Message Service (SMS) technology to deliver daily text messages that promote hope, reduce stigma, and encourage coping and the use of positive psychology strategies.

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of Cope Notes, a brief ecological momentary intervention (EMI).

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study where participants (N = 64) completed measures of depression, anxiety, perceived stress, coping, emotional intelligence, label avoidance, attitudes towards treatment-seeking, and readiness for change before the intervention, 1 month post-intervention, and 2 months post-intervention. This study includes mixed repeated measures ANOVAs to analyze over time.

Results

Findings show that participants with severe depression experienced a significant decrease in anxiety and depressive symptoms, and perceived stress (p < .001) and showed a significant increase in emotional intelligence at 1 month post-intervention. Participants with mild to moderate depression experienced a significant increase in overall coping and problem-focused coping.

Conclusions

While further investigation of Cope Notes’ feasibility and acceptability is warranted, these findings support that the Cope Notes EMI holds promise as a low-cost, impactful mental health solution for populations with limited access to care and those experiencing self-stigma preventing help-seeking.

Keywords:

• Text messaging
• mental health
• ecological momentary intervention

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Daniel Maroney.