PhD Research

'Here' is an app I developed for my Masters project. 

The task of the app involves the user looking at their surrounding and trying to create a complete image using objects of a single colour that they see in real life - this is either items of clothing or objects in an outside setting.

For example, if the user saw a person wearing a red top they could select the red clothing option on the app. They would then have to find the top in the menu and place it onto the figure. Once the figure was deemed fully clothed the user could mark the image a 'complete' and gain a point for that colour.

The app is based on the mindfulness techniques of grounding and task completion concentration, both of which encourage someone to focus on the here and now, their surroundings, rather than on their internal feelings. 

The app has many aspects that have been designed specifically for people with anxiety such as large target areas, calming colours, and passcode protection.

I am currently looking for people who experience anxiety, with or without chronic pain to take part in a study which involves using an anxiety-focused app, ‘Here’, in their daily lives. 

The study is made up of four parts:

1. Complete a 10 minute questionnaire asking about views on anxiety-focused apps and experience of anxiety and pain
2. Use ‘Here’ for four weeks as and when needed – there is no minimum level of engagement needed—the app will track usage data
3. Complete another 10 minute questionnaire asking about views on anxiety-focused apps, reflecting on the time spend using ‘Here’, and experience of anxiety and pain
4. Take part in a 30 minute interview which asks more detailed questions about experience of using ‘Here’

There are a set of eligibility criteria that potential participants must meet in order to take part in this study:

• Aged 18+
• Currently living in the UK
• Experience anxiety
• Own an iPhone
• Not receiving any treatment, or stable on any treatments (current treatment has lasted 3+ months) 
• Not anticipating any treatment, or changes to any treatments, for the duration of the study (the next 4 weeks) 
• Not classed as vulnerable - specifically not aged 65+, or have learning disabilities, or have cognitive impairments 

If you meet the criteria I would be hugely grateful if you would take part. 

Please register your interest: https://bit.ly/herestudy