Participatory Intervention Development of a Peer-Guided Self-Help App for Anxiety Disorders: Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Background: Anxiety disorders affect approximately 27% of the global population, posing a major mental health challenge. Limited access to treatment due to resource constraints highlights the need for scalable solutions. Web-based self-help programs provide low-threshold access to evidence-based strategies. When guided by peers, these programs enhance engagement and acceptability by merging autonomy with support. Peer-guided self-help apps offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional care, reaching those who might otherwise remain untreated.

Objective: This study aims to describe the development of a peer-guided self-help app for anxiety, incorporating input from individuals with lived experience. It assesses user feedback on usability and helpfulness during the development process.

Methods: The intervention was developed in 3 iterative stages using the integrate, design, assess, and share framework. In stage 1, a prototype was cocreated by employees of a German self-help organization with lived experience, software engineers, and psychologists. In stage 2, qualitative feedback was collected from a focus group (n=5) and interviews (n=4), with participants recruited through group leaders of the organization. The research team directly contacted the participants. Qualitative data were analyzed with inductive and deductive content analysis (interrater reliability Cohen κ=0.88), which informed the minimum viable product (MVP) development. In stage 3, the MVP was pilot-tested with a larger online sample (N=126) recruited via the organization's website, accessible to all. Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) and well-being (the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index) were assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Use metrics (eg, log-ins, time spent, and feature use) were recorded automatically. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively.

Results: Stage 1 produced no data. In stage 2, feedback revealed unclear functionality, confusion in peer interaction, and safety concerns, leading to MVP revisions. In stage 3 (N=126), engagement was low-average log-ins were 3.15 (SD 14.37), with only 20 (SD 15.9) participants completing follow-ups. While many joined exposure (79/126, 62.7%) or activity scheduling groups (104/126, 82.5%), 123 (98.4%) did not send messages, undermining peer support goals. Baseline scores showed moderate anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7: mean 10.52, SD 5.15), low well-being (World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index: mean 15.80, SD 6.17), and low social support (Oslo Social Support Scale-3: mean 7.25, SD 2.68), consistent with the target group. Low engagement and high attrition indicated usability problems and limited perceived value.

Conclusions: Despite rapid sign-ups, user engagement was low and dropout rates high, indicating poor acceptance. Key barriers included user confusion, underused peer features, and technical issues. Future development should include structured onboarding for better clarity. Peer engagement be improved with prompts and enhanced safety perception. The participatory approach was challenging and fell short of expectations. Smaller testing phases with regular user feedback will ensure user-centered refinement. Insights from successful peer communities can inform a more intuitive, engaging design.

Keywords: anxiety self-management; digital mental health intervention; integrate, design, assess, and share framework; participatory design; peer-guided self-help; qualitative usability study; user engagement.

Figure 1

Overview of the development process for a self-help app addressing anxiety, based on the integrate, design, assess, and share framework. MVP: minimum viable product.

Figure 2

Flowchart illustrating the quantitative data collection process during the minimum viable product (MVP) testing phase for the self-help app aimed at alleviating anxiety. A total of 126 participants were involved. Measurement points included baseline (T0) and 4 (T1), 8 (T2), and 12 weeks (T3), with questionnaires evaluating app use, adherence, and user experience. Dropout rates steadily increased across the measurement points.