Effectiveness of the MindBridge Mobile Health Module for Young Adults at Risk of Suicide

Development and Effectiveness of the MindBridge Mobile Health Module for Chinese Young Adults at Risk of Suicide: A Sequential Mixed Methods Study

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of MindBridge, a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)-informed mobile health module delivered through a WeChat mini-program, among Chinese young adults aged 18 to 24 years with mild-to-moderate suicide risk. In the randomized controlled trial, 84 participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive MindBridge plus treatment as usual or an attention-matched general well-being program plus treatment as usual for 8 weeks. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, week 4, week 8, and 1-month follow-up. The primary outcome is suicide-related thoughts and behaviors. Secondary outcomes include depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, sleep quality, perceived social support, academic self-efficacy, and problematic internet use. This randomized controlled trial is the effectiveness-evaluation component of a broader sequential mixed methods study involving the development and evaluation of MindBridge.

Inclusion Criteria:

Aged 18-24 years. Mild-to-moderate suicide risk, defined as a Suicide and Self-Injury Behavior Inventory (SSBI) past-year or recent suicide-related or self-harm composite score of 17-51.

Able to understand the study procedures and complete questionnaires independently.

Own a smartphone and are able to use WeChat and the relevant study application. Able and willing to provide voluntary informed consent. Have not participated in earlier phases of this research.

Exclusion Criteria:

Current acute suicide crisis requiring immediate clinical intervention, operationally defined as a Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) ideation level of 4-5 and/or recent suicidal behavior (any actual, aborted, or interrupted attempt or preparatory act within the past month), assessed at screening/baseline.

Serious physical illness or other condition that, in the judgment of the research or clinical safety team, makes participation inappropriate.

Currently receiving intensive psychiatric crisis intervention that would make trial participation unsafe.

Expected to be unable to complete the 8-week intervention or 1-month follow-up.