Efficacy of a smartphone-based behavioral activation intervention for reducing depressive symptoms (BEARS) in japanese university students: a pilot study

Depressive symptoms in university students harm academic performance. Behavioral activation (BA) may alleviate these symptoms, but evidence in Japan is scarce. This study evaluates a two-week, self-guided BA smartphone application (BEARS) in sixteen Japanese students with moderate depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 scores 10–19). The app delivered psychoeducation, value clarification, goal-setting, scheduling, and mood monitoring. Baseline, one week, post intervention, and four weeks follow-up assessments showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms, early decreases in avoidance, and gradual increases in goal-directed activity. Usability feedback was positive despite occasional connectivity issues. These findings support BA apps as promising interventions for student depression.