Psych-related iPhone apps
Abstract
iPhone apps are a widely utilised technology that have recently been identified as a useful medium for health research, clinical interventions and education. While some researchers have discussed advances in app technology, others promote specific apps that are not free to access. To our knowledge, no study has conducted a review of current, free iPhone apps related to psychology, psychiatry and mental health. Therefore, we conducted a pilot, web-based review exploring free iPhone apps using a replicable search strategy within the iTunes Store search function. A selection of apps were selected and subjectively assessed in terms of their usability, utility, graphics, and associated costs for the consumer. We concluded that the apps reviewed, though novel, are limited in their scope and utility. We also note a significant gap in more scientific, evidence-based app technology, and pose some pertinent ethical questions when developing future psych-related apps.
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Generally, smartphone apps are designed to deliver specific therapeutic activities, such as self-monitoring, facilitating skills acquisition, or to provide information about a particular health condition.
“Generally, smartphone apps are designed to deliver specific therapeutic activities, such as self-monitoring, facilitating skills acquisition, or to provide information about a particular health condition. 51–53”
From Effectiveness of mobile technologies delivering Ecological Momentary Interventions for stress and anxiety: A systematic review (2016) · cites this paper as [53]
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- Authors
- Harrison, A. M., & Goozee, R.
- Corresponding author
- Harrison, Anthony Mark
- Venue
- Journal of Mental Health
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2014-01-31
- Volume
- 23
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 48-50
- ISSN
- 0963-8237 (ISSN-L)
- 1360-0567
- OpenAlex
- W1974429282
- Cited by
- 36
- References
- 10
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 4 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 7
- FWCI
- 8.26
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Mental Health (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Research Portal (King's College London) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Mobile and Web Applications
- Keywords
- iOS app, mobile health apps, mental health apps, free apps, app usability, app evaluation, iTunes Store
- MeSH terms
- Humans, Mental Health, Computers, Handheld, Mobile Applications
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