JMIR MENTAL HEALTH Fuller-Tyszkiewicz et al Original Paper Efficacy of a Smartphone App Intervention for Reducing Caregiver Stress: Randomized Controlled Trial Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz1, PhD; Ben Richardson2, PhD; Keriann Little1,3,4, PhD; Samantha Teague1, PhD; Linda Hartley-Clark1, PhD; Tanja Capic1, BPsych(Honours); Sarah Khor1, BPsych(Honours); Robert A Cummins1, PhD; Craig A Olsson1,5,6, PhD; Delyse Hutchinson1,5,6,7, PhD 1Deakin University, Geelong, Australia 2Nous Group, Melbourne, Australia 3Policy & Planning, Barwon Child Youth & Family, Geelong, Australia 4Neurodevelopment and Disability, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia 5Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Melbourne, Australia 6Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia 7National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia Corresponding Author: Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, PhD Deakin University 1 Gheringhap Street Geelong, 3220 Australia Phone: 61 3 9251 7344 Email:
[email protected] Abstract Background: Caregivers play a pivotal role in maintaining an economically viable health care system, yet they are characterized by low levels of psychological well-being and consistently report unmet needs for psychological support. Mobile app±based (mobile health [mHealth]) interventions present a novel approach to both reducing stress and improving well-being. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-guided mobile app±based psychological intervention for people providing care to family or friends with a physical or mental disability. Methods: In a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial, 183 caregivers recruited through the web were randomly allocated to either an intervention (n=73) or active control (n=110) condition. The intervention app contained treatment modules combining daily self-monitoring with third-wave (mindfulness-based) cognitive-behavioral therapies, whereas the active control app contained only self-monitoring features.