Delivering real-time support for self-injury

Introduction: Ecological momentary interventions (EMIs) delivered via smartphone apps have gained attention as a potential tool for addressing self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB), particularly non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy and feasibilit...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Julià, Anna, Jaén, I., García-Palacios, A., Pascual, Juan Carlos|||0000-0001-8039-9346, Sintes, A., Lara, A., Méndez, I., Romero, Soledad|||0000-0001-9934-5196, Puntí Vidal, Joaquim|||0000-0001-6572-3398, Soler, Joaquim|||0000-0001-8077-3641, Banqué, M., López-Solà, M., Solé-Casals, J., Vega, D.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:319542
Acceso en línea:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/319542
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.1016/j.invent.2025.100826
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Ecological momentary assessment
Ecological momentary intervention
Mobile applications
Non-suicidal self-injury
Self-injurious behavior
Suicide
Descripción
Sumario:Introduction: Ecological momentary interventions (EMIs) delivered via smartphone apps have gained attention as a potential tool for addressing self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB), particularly non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy and feasibility of smartphone-based EMIs in reducing SITB and improving mental health outcomes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, focusing on smartphone-based EMIs targeting SITB, with particular emphasis on those addressing NSSI. The latest search was made in February 2025. Results: Sixteen studies featuring smartphone-based EMIs were included. Overall, these studies showed promising evidence for the reduction of SITB. Specifically, several studies reported reductions in NSSI frequency and improvements in emotional regulation among participants. Feasibility and acceptability data showed good results. Limitations: Key limitations include small sample sizes, study heterogeneity, lack of follow-up, reliance on self-reports, and absence of standardized tools to distinguish NSSI from other self-injurious behaviors. Conclusions: Results are promising, while the efficacy of smartphone-based EMIs SITB requires further validation through large-scale and well-designed studies. The integration of digital interventions into broader mental health care strategies offers a potential avenue for addressing the treatment gap in at-risk populations, particularly those with limited access to traditional care.