Comparative Effectiveness of Digital CBT Interventions

This research article evaluates the effectiveness of two digital interventions designed to address anxiety and depression among college students in South Africa. The study compares a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Skills Training (CST) intervention delivered in a remote group format with a self-guided gamified app called SuperBetter. A total of 371 anxious and/or depressed undergraduate students were randomized into three groups: Remote Group CST, SuperBetter, and a MoodFlow control group. The effectiveness of these interventions was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results indicated that both Remote Group CST and SuperBetter led to significant improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms compared to the control group, with effect sizes at the higher end of previous digital intervention trials. The findings suggest that innovative delivery methods can enhance the scalability of digital interventions in low-resource settings, providing a viable alternative to traditional one-on-one therapy.