Social Anxiety Mobile Application to Enhance University Psychological Services

Social anxiety is a persistent and extremely debilitating anxiety disorder that has a profound negative impact on quality of life, relationships, and social functioning. There is evidence that suggest social anxiety prevalence among university students, which is preoccupying since this disorder is associated with premature school dropout and academic underachievement. University Psychological Services has played an important role in helping students suffering from mental health. Nevertheless, scientific research indicate that traditional therapies can be enhanced using technology devices such as, for example, smartphones and its software applications. A mobile application is being developed in Higher Education settings, and its main goal is to enhance current face-to-face Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, by improving engagement and adherence to treatment in students with Social Anxiety Disorder. This application includes novel features, which can become valuable resources for both the patient and the therapist. The present study addresses the initial steps of this mobile application construction regarding main features and theoretical considerations based in scientific evidence. In future studies, we intend to include design considerations and evaluate the efficacy of this mobile application.

Author(s): Carla Oliveira, Anabela Sousa Pereira, Paula Vagos, Ilídio Oliveira

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