Digital training platform to boost mental health in adolescents

Depression and anxiety disorders are increasingly common among adolescents. To address this pressing issue, the EU-funded project IMPROVA, supported by 7 million euros, is testing a digital platform designed to promote mental well-being through education and support.   

The project is led by the non-profit research institution FSJD-CERCA from Barcelona. Professor Harald Baumeister from Ulm University’s Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy highlights the platform’s purpose: "At the heart of IMPROVA is our eHealth platform, which offers a variety of interactive modules, tools and information on mental health." 

The eHealth platform provides tailored digital training through interactive modules, covering topics such as recognizing personal strengths, managing emotions, and resolving conflicts. Adolescents, teachers, and parents can access the digital training platform through an app or a browser-based platform. Additionally, the platform supports schools with teaching units and health-related classroom content.   

Dr. Rodrigo Antunes Lima, scientific coordinator of IMPROVA from FSJD-CERCA in Barcelona, explains: "What's special about IMPROVA is that it offers a health tool that can be integrated into the education system. There are specially tailored offers for adolescents, their parents, and teachers." 

The 18-month field study, which began in November 2024, includes Spain, France, Romania, and Germany. In the Ulm area alone, 13 secondary schools have already joined, with a total of 16 expected to participate. Around 3,000 students from grades 7 to 13 in each country will be surveyed. 

Dr. Ann-Marie Küchler from Ulm University, coordinating the German field trial, notes: "To evaluate effectiveness, we will compare an intervention group with a waiting list group that will have access to the IMPROVA platform one school year later." 

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Ulm University