JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Generation Z and young Millennials (ages 18-35 years), GenZennials, are connected to technology and the internet like no other generation before them. This has mental health implications, such as increased rates of anxiety and stress. Recent research has shown that app-based mental health interventions can be useful to address such mental health concerns. However, spirituality is an untapped resource, especially since GenZennials largely identify as spiritual and already integrate spiritual practices into their self-care.

Objective:

There were four objectives to this study: 1) comprehensively explore reasons GenZennials use a spiritual self-care app, Skylight, 2) understand how GenZennials identify spiritually, 3) understand the app’s relevance to the GenZennial generation and 4) gather feedback and suggestions to improve the app.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 GenZennials (ages 18-35 years; mean 28.7, SD 5.0; 20/23, 87% female) who used the Skylight app. Interviews were 30 to 60 minutes and conducted on Zoom. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interviews.

Results:

Five major categories emerged from the analysis, each encompassing one to several themes: 1) reasons for using the Skylight app, 2) content favorites, 3) defining spiritual identity, 4) relevance to GenZennials, and 5) overall improvement recommendations. Participants used the app for various reasons including to relax/escape/ground themselves, improve mood, and overall health and wellness. Participants also cited the app's variety of content offerings and its free accessibility as their primary reasons for using it. Most participants identified as solely spiritual and appreciated the app’s inclusive content. Participants felt that the app was relevant to their generation as it offered modern content (eg, spiritual self-care activities and short content). Participants recommended adding more personalization capabilities, content, and representation in the app.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to qualitatively explore GenZennials perspectives and use of a spiritual self-care app. Our findings should inform future creation and improvement of spiritual self-care apps aimed at cultivating GenZennials’ spiritual and mental well-being. Future research is warranted to examine the effects of using a spiritual self-care app on GenZennial mental health.