Can a smartphone app help young adults stop self-harming?
NCT ID NCT05325944
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested a digital mental health app designed to help young adults (ages 18-25) who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury and are not currently in treatment. The app provides psychoeducation, skill-building exercises, and daily check-ins. Researchers compared a self-guided version, a version with low-intensity coaching, and a control group that received only educational content. The goal was to see if the app is feasible and acceptable for a larger future trial.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
digital mental health intervention (self-guided or with coaching)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could provide an accessible, low-cost way to help young adults reduce self-injury and improve mental health without needing in-person therapy.
What could go wrong
This is a small feasibility trial with only 90 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention is digital and self-guided, so engagement and effectiveness may vary.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for DEPRESSION are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States