Reducing Anxiety Levels Through the Dharma Life App-Based and Mentor-Based Program Targeting Personality Characteristics: A Randomized Control Trial

Reducing Anxiety Levels Through the Dharma Life App-Based and Mentor-Based Program Targeting Personality Characteristics: A Randomized Control Trial

The purpose of this study was to examine whether an app- and mentor-based program reduced anxiety among individuals reporting difficulties with anxiety.

For the intervention group, this study involved completing an 8-week program focused on helping participants reach their personality goals. The program involved app-based games, journaling, and completing behavioral challenges. Participants engaged with the study app for approximately 15 minutes per day and spoke with a study mentor weekly for 1 hour. Participants were asked to complete surveys prior to and after the program. The pre-program survey lasted approximately 1 hour, and the post-program survey lasted approximately 30 minutes.

For the control group, this study involved completing surveys. Participants were asked to complete surveys 8 weeks apart. The first batch of surveys lasted approximately 1 hour, and the follow-up surveys lasted approximately 30 minutes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Moderate to severe anxiety levels based on the BAI and GAD-7

Exclusion Criteria:

• We excluded participants experiencing any of the following self-reported behaviors in the past 6 months: substance abuse, self-harm, harm or destruction of another person or their property, suicidal ideations, and feeling helpless after the death of a loved one