Digital Mental Health Literacy Combined With Physical Activity for Depression and Anxiety in High School Students

A Randomized Controlled Trial

Bibliographic Data

ID17337736
AuthorsLi Chen (0000-0002-8432-3338, Wuhan Huaxia Institute of Technology Wuhan China), L Q Chen (Wuhan Institute of Technology), Guangde Zhao (Physical Education Department Zhongnan University of Economics and Law Wuhan China, corresponding author), Xiujie Shi (0000-0002-8006-2791, School of Physical Education Yanshan University Qinhuangdao China)
Year2026
Volume96
Issue5
Pagese70144-e70144
Publication date2026-04-09
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of School Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-4391 • E-ISSN: 1746-1561
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/josh.70144
PMID41957996
OpenAlexW7153106078
LanguageEN
References cited32

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are prevalent among Chinese adolescents, yet access to care is limited. This study evaluated a culturally adapted digital mental health literacy intervention for Chinese high school students. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 390 students were assigned to a 12-week digital intervention or control. The program integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy principles. Primary outcomes were depression (PHQ-A) and anxiety (GAD-7) scores at baseline and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Linear mixed-effects models showed significant benefits. The intervention group demonstrated greater reductions in anxiety (-2.54 points, p < 0.001) and depression (-1.91 points, p < 0.001) compared to controls, with consistent effects across demographics. IMPLICATIONS: Culturally adapted digital programs offer scalable school-based prevention. They effectively reduce internalizing symptoms amid service shortages. Schools should prioritize integrating such targeted, accessible curricula to maximize student mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The digital intervention significantly reduced internalizing symptoms. This focused approach proves effective for universal prevention. Future research should assess long-term sustainability and broader applicability

Anxiety · Depression (economics) · Digital health · Intervention (counseling) · Mental health · Mental health literacy · Physical activity · Randomized controlled trial · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Mental Health via Writing

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