Developing a Safety Planning Smartphone App to Support Adolescents’ Self-Management During Emotional Crises
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15501508 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Tamara Großmann (0000-0002-7698-5251, Universität Ulm, corresponding author), Jana Hörger (0009-0008-2231-6694, Universität Ulm), Nadine Bayer (0009-0009-5799-2032, Universität Ulm), Sophie Bückle (Universität Ulm), Daniel Buschek (0000-0002-0013-715X, University of Bayreuth), Jörg M Fegert (0000-0001-6070-4323, Universität Ulm), Peter Laurenz (Universität Ulm), Matthias Lühr (0000-0002-3604-6399, Universität Ulm), Franziska Marek (0009-0003-1930-5058, Universität Ulm), Miriam Rassenhofer (0009-0003-7857-9526, Universität Ulm), Nathalie Oexle (0000-0001-5562-4070, Universität Ulm) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue | 11 |
| Pages | 1607-1607 |
| Publication date | 2025-10-22 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/ijerph22111607 |
| PMID | 41302554 |
| OpenAlex | W4415447504 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 45 |
Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents, highlighting the need for effective suicide prevention strategies. Safety planning is a best-practice intervention that has recently shifted toward smartphone-based formats. This study explored stakeholder perspectives (adolescents, parents, practitioners) and described the development of an age-tailored app. A qualitative study was conducted in Germany (2023-2024) with focus groups involving adolescents ( n = 7), parents ( n = 4), and practitioners ( n = 4). Adolescents (14-21 years) were eligible if they had received inpatient treatment, experienced suicidal thoughts within the past 24 months, and had prior experience with safety planning. Parents and practitioners had experience or expertise with suicidality among adolescents. Data were analyzed using Kuckartz's qualitative content analysis. App development was based, among other things, on insights from focus groups and pertinent theories. Stakeholders expressed differing needs regarding app content, settings, and adjustability. The developed emira-app includes an interactive safety plan to support users in self-managing emotional crises, along with additional features (e.g., digital HopeBox and diary) to promote integration into users' daily routines. This multi-component safety planning app was specifically developed for adolescents, and its participatory development process allowed an intensive exploration of key stakeholders' perspectives
Focus group · Injury prevention · Intervention (counseling · Occupational safety and health · Poison control · Qualitative research · Stakeholder · Suicide prevention · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
Safety Planning Intervention
Self-harm and suicide in adolescents
Excessive Smartphone Use Is Associated With Health Problems in Adolescents and Young Adults
Mental disorders as risk factors for suicidal behavior in young people
Factors Associated with Cell Phone Use in Adolescents in the Community of Madrid (Spain)
The feasibility of using smartphone apps as treatment components for depressed suicidal outpatients
The Clinical Impacts of Mobile Mood-Monitoring in Young People With Mental Health Problems
The digitally engaged patient
| Highly cited | No |
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