ESM-derived Personalised Feedback for Women at Risk of Common Mental Disorder

A Randomised Controlled Trial Using Experience Sampling Method as a Way to Improve Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Women at Risk of Common Mental Disorder in Hong Kong

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of Experience Sampling Method (ESM) derived personalised feedback for women at risk of common mental disorder in Hong Kong, in reducing individuals depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Women who are at-risk for common mental disorders and have completed the online screening for Jockey Club Mental Wellness Project for Women (JCWow) will be recruited. This study aims to test the effectiveness of ESM-derived personalized feedback in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety using a randomised controlled trial. After given written consent, the participants will be required to undergo a 5 days baseline ESM data collection (week 0). Upon completion of baseline data collection, they will be randomly assigned to the intervention (ESM-F), active reference (ESM) or control (CON) group. The participants in the intervention group will participate in an ESM procedure (three days per week over a 6-week period) using through SMS system (week 1 - 6). This group will receive weekly standardised feedback on personalised patterns of positive affect. The active reference group will also participate in the same ESM procedure without a weekly feedback. The control group will not be required to undergo this 6-week data collection procedure. At week 7, all three groups will undergo another 5 days of post-intervention ESM data collection in order to examine the naturalistic and interventional changes on the depressive symptoms. From week 8 onwards, the participants will be contacted 5 times (week 8, 12, 16, 20 and 32) via telephone to follow-up their condition. After 32 weeks, both active reference and control group will receive the report.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women within the age range of 18-64
• Identified as at-risk for depressive disorders (iDD) using the Depression Subscale (scored 10 or above) in DASS-21
• Willing to provide written informed consent
• Understand Cantonese and can read or write Chinese
• Use a smartphone

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those mental conditions that require other treatment priorities (e.g., major depression, suicidal risk, substance abuse, current or past episodes of psychotic disorder, personality disorders).
• Those medical conditions that severely limit participation, comprehension, or adherence to treatment (e.g., epilepsy, dementia, terminal medical illness).
• Those who are receiving structured psychotherapy or counselling.