Digital program helps reduce anxiety levels among students

Traditional psychotherapy methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), have shown high effectiveness in correcting negative cognitive patterns. However, their application is limited by their high cost and the need for long-term interaction with a qualified professional. Therefore, developing accessible digital tools for self-regulation of mental health is a priority for the healthcare system.

British researchers have proposed the Functional Imagery Training (FIT) method. Unlike traditional therapeutic approaches that focus on verbal analysis of problems, FIT relies on multisensory perception. The process involves detailed imagination of visual images, sounds, and tactile sensations that accompany the achievement of set goals.

Participants in the program identify specific tasks that are typically challenging due to anxiety. They then simulate the successful completion of these tasks, striving to make the imagined experience as realistic as possible. To integrate the exercises into their daily lives, students associate the practice of imagination with familiar household activities, such as making coffee or using a kettle.

To automate the process, the FIKA (Functional Imagery for Keeping Anxiety low) digital platform has been developed. The program includes a series of pre-recorded video and audio materials that replace in-person consultations with a therapist. The experiment involved 48 students with mild to moderate anxiety levels. The intervention group completed a course of seven online modules over a two-week period, while the control group maintained their usual daily routine.

The effectiveness was assessed using the standardized GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment) questionnaire. In the group that used the FIKA program, there was a statistically significant decrease in anxiety levels compared to the control group. A significant number of participants transitioned to a lower level of clinical anxiety.

The participants in the experiment gave a positive assessment of the tool, noting the rapid achievement of a subjective state of calmness. The authors of the study emphasize that developing self-motivation skills through a digital platform can prevent the transition of episodic anxiety into a chronic form.

Despite the initial success, the researchers emphasize the need for larger-scale trials. This will allow us to determine the long-term stability of the therapeutic effect and evaluate the effectiveness of the program when used regularly for several months.