JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Apprenticeships are a common pathway for young people transitioning into the workforce. Apprentices often face many employment-related challenges and have high levels of psychological distress and are at risk of mental health problems. However, they tend to have low engagement in digital mental health interventions, which are often not catered to their interests and needs.

Objective:

This study explored healthy coping strategies used by apprentices and their preferences for an app to support their mental wellbeing.

Methods:

A mixed methods study was conducted with 54 apprentices (92.6% male) with a mean age 22.7 years (SD=5.7). Across eight focus groups, participants were asked to describe healthy strategies they used to cope with occupational stressors. They also completed a survey on preferred ways of using an app to support mental health.

Results:

Four major types of coping behaviours were identified: 1) social connection for disclosure and advice, and socialising; 2) pleasurable activities such as engaging in hobbies, time-out, and developing work-life separation; 3) cognitive approaches including de-fusing from thoughts and cognitive reframing; and 4) self-care approaches including exercise, healthy diet and getting adequate sleep. Only 10% of participants currently used a mental health app, but there was high interest in using an app to support friends (88%) and develop self-help strategies to manage or prevent mental health issues (78%).

Conclusions:

Apprentices utilised a range of healthy behaviours to cope with workplace stressors and were willing to use a smartphone app to support their mental health. However, many of the preferred coping strategies identified are not those focussed on by current mental health interventions, including currently available apps, indicating the need for more targeted digital interventions for this group.