Identifying Motivational Components in the Use of Mental Health Apps Among Youth: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the motivational components underlying the use of mental health apps among youth. A qualitative research design with thematic analysis was employed. The participants were 20 young individuals from Tehran who had actively used mental health apps. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using NVivo software after achieving theoretical saturation. The thematic analysis revealed three major themes: intrinsic motivations, extrinsic motivations, and personal app functions. Key subthemes included the need for mental relaxation, self-awareness, social modeling, external rewards, mental health tracking, and substituting face-to-face counseling. Participants perceived these apps as tools for emotional regulation, personal growth, and internal dialogue. The findings suggest that motivational components influencing the use of mental health apps among youth are multidimensional, involving an interplay of psychological needs, social stimuli, and functional aspects of the apps. These insights can inform user-centered app development, digital health policy, and preventive intervention strategies targeting youth mental health.