Despite the growing adoption of digital mental health initiatives in the workplace, employees' sustained engagement with these resources remained relatively low. Encouraging a growth mindset about mental health may help motivate employees to actively use these tools to support their well-being. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examines whether introducing a growth mindset intervention prior to using a mental health app can improve users' repeated engagement with the app.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
307
This single-session growth mindset intervention consists of reading and reflective writing activities that present mental health as something that can be improved, rather than something fixed. The goal is to show that adopting a growth mindset of mental health can encourage more proactive mental health behaviors. To begin, participants will read stories of three employees who share their personal experiences navigating mental health challenges in the workplace. Each story highlights the employee's struggles, how they came to see mental health as changeable, and the steps they took to care for their well-being (e.g., practicing self-care or seeking therapy). After reading, participants will complete a short reflective essay in response to three prompts. These prompts guide them to examine their own mindset about mental health, endorse a growth mindset towards mental health, and outline specific actions they can take to proactively support their own mental well-being.
This single-session control exercise aims to encourage the use of digital technology in the workplace. It positions participants as experts who provide guidance to others on how to use digital tools more effectively at work. First, participants will read stories about employees' experiences navigating their workload with the help of workplace technology. Each story highlights the employee's initial struggles with learning new digital tools and how they eventually recognized the value of these technologies. This includes examples of how they viewed digital learning as manageable and took proactive steps-such as seeking help from colleagues or setting aside time to practice. Then, participants will complete a short reflective essay in response to three writing prompts. These prompts guide them to reflect on their own experiences with digital tools and offer practical advice to others on how to use new technologies effectively in the workplace.
Intellect Pte Ltd.
Singapore, Singapore
Repeated App Engagement
Completion of \>1 self-guided feature on the mental health app ("Intellect")
Time frame: Repeated Engagement was defined as whether participants completed more than one self-help feature within three months of the growth mindset intervention
Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms
Participants' baseline anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed with the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Scores are summed, ranging from 0-12. Higher PHQ-4 scores indicate more severe anxiety and depressive symptoms. The cutoffs for mild, moderate, and severe depression were 3, 6, and 9 respectively.
Time frame: Baseline Assessment
Perceived Stress
Participants' baseline stress levels over the last month were assessed using the 4-item Perceived Stress Scale. Scores are summed, ranging from 4-20, with higher scores indicating greater perceived stress.
Time frame: Baseline Assessment
Positive Well-being
Participants' baseline positive well-being was assessed using the 7-item Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Scores are summed, ranging from 7-35, with higher scores indicating more positive well-being.
Time frame: Baseline Assessment
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