Mobile Self-Management Program Integrating Positive Psychology and Behavioral Activation for Stress Reduction in Young Adults: A Community-Based Randomized Controlled Trial
Phase: NA
Conditions: Stress (Psychology)
Sponsor: The Catholic University of Korea

Study Protocol 
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NCT Number: NCT07174544  
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Organization's Unique Protocol ID: MC23FNSI0059 
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Official Title: Mobile Self-Management Program Integrating Positive Psychology 
and Behavioral Activation for Stress Reduction in Young Adults: A Community-
Based Randomized Controlled Trial 
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Secondary IDs: Other Grant/Funding Number: NRF-2022R1A2C1011568 
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Grantor or Funder Organization: National Research Foundation of Korea 
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Document Date: 06/30/2025 
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Brief Title: Mobile Self-Management Program for Stress Reduction in Young 
Adults 
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Study Type: Interventional 
 
 
 

1. Background and Rationale 
In South Korea, young adults experience heightened stress stemming from academic 
and economic pressures, yet rates of treatment-seeking and service utilization remain 
low. Although mobile and online mental health programs have become increasingly 
available, few have been rigorously tested, particularly among non-clinical populations. 
This underscores the need to develop and validate evidence-based digital interventions. 
Stress during young adulthood is a critical mental health concern, closely linked with 
depression, anxiety, and diminished resilience. Mobile interventions offer accessible and 
scalable methods to support stress management and overall well-being. Both Positive 
Psychology (PP) and Behavioral Activation (BA) are empirically supported approaches 
that enhance psychological functioning and alleviate distress. The present study 
investigates the effectiveness of a mobile self-management program that combines PP 
and BA strategies to reduce stress and improve associated outcomes among young 
adults reporting elevated stress. 
2. Objectives 
This study sought to evaluate a mobile self-management program integrating Positive 
Psychology (PP) and Behavioral Activation (BA) as a mental health intervention for 
young adults in South Korea. The program was grounded in established theoretical 
frameworks and designed to (1) enhance positive emotional experiences, (2) help 
participants identify their personal strengths, (3) encourage engagement in strengths-
based activities, and (4) support planning for a meaningful and fulfilling future. These 
goals drew on PP principles while incorporating BA techniques to promote and sustain 
positive affect and adaptive behaviors in young adults. Using a randomized controlled 
trial design, the study examined the program’s effectiveness in improving psychological 
outcomes—including stress, depression, anxiety, and resilience—among young adults 
with elevated stress, as well as its usability and perceived quality. 
Primary Objective: 
- To evaluate whether a mobile self-management program integrating PP and BA 
reduces perceived stress in young adults with elevated stress. 
- To assess whether the program improves depression, anxiety, and resilience. 
Secondary Objectives: 
- To evaluate usability and perceived quality of the mobile interventions. 
 

3. Study Design 
This study employed a randomized controlled trial with a wait-list control design to 
evaluate the effects of a mobile-based self-management program for young adults 
experiencing elevated stress in community settings in South Korea.  
4. Study Setting 
Participants were recruited nationwide in South Korea through both offline and online 
platforms. Recruitment sites included youth centers, mental health welfare centers, and 
a suicide prevention center. The intervention was delivered entirely via a mobile 
application, and outcome assessments were conducted online. 
5. Eligibility Criteria 
Inclusion Criteria: 
- Age 19–34 years at the time of participation 
- Proficiency in using digital devices 
- Use of an Android-based smartphone or tablet 
- Score ≥14 on the Perceived Stress Scale–10 (PSS-10) 
- Provision of informed consent for random assignment 
 
Exclusion Criteria: 
- Score <14 on the PSS-10 
- Declines random assignment 
6. Interventions 
Experimental: Intervention Group 
Participants assigned to the intervention group received a text message with a link to 
install the DodaMe mobile self-management program, which integrates Positive 
Psychology (PP) and Behavioral Activation (BA). The intervention lasted eight weeks, 
consisting of: 
• 
Guided Phase (Weeks 1–4): Weekly objectives included (1) enhancing positive 
affect, (2) identifying personal strengths, (3) applying strengths in daily life, and 
(4) planning for a positive future. Program activities involved emotional check-
ins, gratitude journaling, mindfulness practice, positive behavioral tasks, and goal 
setting. 
• 
Self-Directed Phase (Weeks 5–8): Participants voluntarily selected from 10 
recommended activities tailored to their strengths to encourage continued 
engagement and self-management. 

Assessments were completed in-app at baseline and at Weeks 2, 4, and 8. 
No Intervention: Wait-list Control 
Participants in the wait-list control group did not receive the intervention during the 
initial 8 weeks. Instead, they were asked to complete the same assessments at baseline, 
Weeks 2, 4, and 8 via survey links delivered by text message. After Week 9, participants 
were granted access to the DodaMe app. 
 
7. Outcome Measures 
Primary Outcome: 
- Stress: Perceived Stress Scale–10 items (PSS-10, Korean version) 
  Range: 0–40 (higher = greater stress) 
  Time Frame: Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, and 8 
 
Secondary Outcomes: 
- Depression: Patient Health Questionnaire–9 items (PHQ-9, Korean version) 
  Range: 0–27 (higher = more severe depression) 
  Time Frame: Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, and 8 
 
- Anxiety: Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7 items (GAD-7, Korean version) 
  Range: 0–21 (higher = more severe anxiety) 
  Time Frame: Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, and 8 
 
- Resilience: Brief Resilience Scale (BRS, Korean version) 
  Range: 1.0–5.0 (higher = greater resilience) 
  Time Frame: Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, and 8 
8. Sample Size and Randomization 
A total of 261 individuals were screened. Of these, 50 were excluded (46 scored below 
14 on the PSS-10, 4 declined randomization). The final sample included  participants 
who provided informed consent and were assigned de-identified IDs. 
 
Participants were randomized to either the intervention group or the wait-list control 
group using simple randomization (https://www.randomizer.org/). Randomization was 
conducted by a research assistant not involved in data collection or outcome 
assessment. The principal investigator remained blinded to the allocation process to 
minimize bias. 

 
An a priori power analysis (G*Power 3.1, repeated-measures ANOVA) indicated a 
minimum of 128 participants (64 per group) was required to detect a medium effect (f = 
0.25) with 80% power at α = 0.05.  
9. Data Collection and Management 
 
Data were collected via the mobile application and online surveys. All data were de-
identified at export, and participants were assigned unique IDs. Only the principal 
investigator and a designated data manager had access to the de-identified dataset. 
 
All study records will be securely stored for three years after study completion in 
compliance with institutional and national guidelines. After this retention period, 
electronic files will be permanently deleted, and physical records securely destroyed. 
 
10. Statistical Analysis Plan 
 
All analyses will follow the intention-to-treat (ITT) principle, including all randomized 
participants with available data. Descriptive statistics will summarize baseline 
demographic and clinical characteristics. 
Primary Analysis 
• 
The primary outcome is perceived stress (PSS-10). 
• 
Changes in stress scores across time points (Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, and 8) 
between the intervention and wait-list control groups will be examined using 
generalized estimating equations (GEE) with an appropriate correlation structure 
to account for repeated measures. 
Secondary Analyses 
• 
Depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and resilience (BRS) will be analyzed in the 
same manner as the primary outcome. 
• 
Effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals will be reported for all outcomes. 
Handling of Missing Data 
• 
Missing data will be addressed using multiple imputation methods, assuming 
data are missing at random (MAR). Sensitivity analyses will be conducted to 
assess the robustness of findings. 
 
 

11. Adverse Events / Safety Monitoring 
Although classified as minimal risk, safety procedures were implemented. All research 
staff were licensed mental health professionals. Participants were provided with direct 
contact information for the research team to report discomfort or adverse experiences. 
 
Participants also received information about local mental health welfare centers and 
suicide prevention centers, with emergency contacts provided at enrollment. If severe 
depression, anxiety, or stress symptoms were reported, participants were promptly 
referred to appropriate mental health services. 
12. Ethical Considerations 
The study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of The Catholic 
University of Korea, Medical center(No. MC23FNSI0059). Written informed consent was 
obtained from all participants prior to study entry. All participants provided written 
informed consent. Confidentiality and the right to withdraw without consequence were 
guaranteed. Participants in the wait-list control arm were granted access to the 
intervention after the study period.