Behavior change through automated e-mails: Mediation analysis of self-help strategy use for depressive symptoms

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether automated e-mails promoting effective self-help strategies for depressive symptoms were effective in changing self-help behavior, and whether this improved depression outcomes.Method568 adults with sub-threshold depression participated in a randomized controlled trial and provided complete data. A series of 12 e-mails promoting the use of evidence-based self-help strategies was compared with e-mails providing non-directive depression information. Depression symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-9) and use of self-help strategies was assessed at baseline and post-intervention. We hypothesized that those receiving the self-help e-mails would increase their use of evidence-based self-help and this would be associated with improvements in depression. Mediation analyses were conducted using a non-parametric bootstrapping procedure.ResultsTotal use of the self-help strategies promoted in the e-mails significantly mediated the effect of the intervention on depressive symptoms (B = −0.75, SE = 0.16, 95% CI: −1.06 to −0.48). The direct effect of the intervention on depressive symptoms was much smaller and not significant when the mediation path was included. The majority of the individual strategies also had a significant indirect effect on depressive symptoms.ConclusionsIn adults with sub-threshold depression, automated e-mails based on behavior change principles can successfully increase use of self-help strategies, leading to a reduction in depressive symptoms.

► Adults with depressive symptoms received emails with coping advice or information. ► The coping advice emails increased use of effective self-help techniques. ► Increased use of self-help techniques led to a reduction in depression symptoms. ► Messages about effective self-help can change behavior and improve mild depression.