Opp is a mobile app that aims to increase mental health and well-being among adolescents.

The effectiveness of the app was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial with two measurement points.

Results showed an increase in mental health problems in the control group, but not in the intervention group.

Although the findings are promising, more research is needed to understand the potential of universal mental health apps for adolescents.

Opp is a universal mental health-promoting mobile application (app) developed for adolescents, with the aim of promoting mental health and well-being and preventing mental health problems. In this randomized controlled trial, the effectiveness of Opp was tested among Norwegian adolescents aged 13 to 25 years. Mental health, well-being, self-efficacy, self-esteem, help-seeking behavior, and sleep quality were assessed at two measurement points (T1 and T2), that were approximately 11 weeks apart. Only the participants that answered at both measurement points were included in the main analyses (N = 399; 75 % girls; Mage = 16.90 years, SD = 1.40). The results demonstrated a statistically significant effect of the app on mental health, as measured by the SDQ Total Difficulties scale (F(1,790) = 4.35, p = .037), while no statistically significant effects were observed on the other outcomes. These results provide important insights, and a broader understanding of how mental health apps can influence the mental health and well-being of a general sample of adolescents.

Adolescents

Mental health

Mental health app

Mental health promotion

Opp

Well-being

© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.