ABOUT THE STUDY

The smartphone app in this study is designed to teach coping skills for symptoms of depression and anxiety, and to enhance wellbeing. It is developed at the University of Virginia with funding from the National Cancer Institute. The findings from this study will help us to understand whether the app program is potentially helpful to reducing symptoms and increasing wellbeing, and to improve the app to test in a future study for improving mental health in women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Interested and motivated individuals are needed to help evaluate our apps. You may be eligible to participate if you are:

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- Female

- At least 18 years old

- Were diagnosed with stage I, II, or III female breast cancer in the last 5 years

- Are struggling with depression and/or anxiety

- Own a smartphone (Android or iOS) and have a data plan

- Are not currently in individual, 1-1, therapy for depression or anxiety

Steps

Participation in this study would involve the following:

1. Fill out the interest form on the home page of this website. 

2. BARCS staff will determine if you meet initial eligibility criteria.

3. If you meet initial eligibility criteria, we will contact you by email and schedule a phone interview.

4. During the phone interview, we will explain the study and discuss the criteria for enrollment. We will have time to answer any questions or concerns you may have during the phone call. We will also ask you a few questions about your cancer history and current mental health.

5. If you are not eligible for the study, we will inform you.

6. If you are eligible and choose to participate, you will electronically sign a consent form. You will be emailed a copy of your signed consent form.

7. You will be instructed to complete an online questionnaire that will be emailed to you. It takes about 30 minutes to complete. The questions will ask you about your health and daily life activities

8. Once the questionnaire is completed, you will be assigned the app to use for approximately 8 weeks. Everyone will receive the same app program. The app you are assigned does not reflect your mental health status. 

9. After 8 weeks of using the app, you will be asked to complete another online questionnaire. 

10. You will be paid up to $100 in a gift card for finishing this study.  The gift card will be sent about a week after you complete the final online questionnaires, after the 8 week intervention period. If you do not finish the study, you will be paid based on your completion of the following: a) $50 gift card after completing the Post-Assessment Questionnaire (after the 8 week intervention period); and b) Up to $50 gift card based on what percentage of the daily questionnaires you complete over the 8 weeks. If you complete more than half, you will receive the full $50 amount. If you complete 20-50%, you will receive $30. If you complete less than 20%, or less than one-fifth, you will not receive payment for this portion of the study. 

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