Návrh prototypu digitální aplikace pro podporu duševního zdraví studentů a studentek vysokých škol

The thesis addresses the issue of mental health of the students at the University of Economics in Prague (VŠE), where university students face increasing mental health challenges, with existing support at universities often insufficiently addressing their specific needs. The aim of this work was to design a mobile app as a digital intervention that promotes mental wellbeing and addresses the key needs of this target group. Based on a search of existing literature, an analysis of existing digital interventions aimed at promoting mental health and five in-depth interviews with VŠE students, key needs were identified. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interviews. The findings show the students often face anxiety, stress and exhaustion, which for some tends to be associated with pressures from the academic environment and uncertainty about the future. The main barriers to mental health support identified are the stigma of mental health problems and the limited capacity of counselling services. The proposed mobile app includes key features such as the ability to regularly monitor moods and emotions, journaling, scientifically based techniques including cognitive-behavioural exercises and linking students to the services of the academic psychological counselling centre at VŠE. The app was validated through user testing, which confirmed the positive reception of the app among the students, who particularly appreciated the combination of scientific knowledge with practical techniques and the possibility of a friendly connection with mental health professionals. The main benefits of the proposed solution include increasing access to mental health support despite identified barriers and promoting prevention of mental health problems. The conclusions of the paper highlight the importance of digital interventions as an accessible and flexible form of mental health support that complements traditional services. The findings of this thesis are of benefit to other higher education institutions seeking alternative ways of supporting mental health in their students. The thesis proposes further development and research in the form of testing the application among psychologists of the academic psychological counselling service at the VŠE. The aim of the research would be to investigate how the app can support their work, make communication with the students more effective and contribute to a better use of their capacity through asynchronous support.