Northwestern trial finds mental health app helps unemployed find work
A six-week clinical trial led by Northwestern University found a smartphone app helped nearly 70 percent of unemployed participants secure employment.
App combines mental health and job tips
The intervention named DRIVEN paired weekly self-guided mental health exercises with specific job-seeking strategies. Developed by Inspiration at Work, the app offered job-search tips alongside three video sessions with a job coach. Participants completed six weeks of these activities designed to reduce stress while increasing motivation for finding work.
Study results show higher employment rates
In the trial involving 126 unemployed individuals, nearly 70 percent of those using the app found jobs. This success rate compared with about half of the participants who received only standard job-search advice via weekly emails. The study authors noted that millions of unemployed U.S. adults face a difficult market where AI tools often frustrate applicants.
Participants reported better mood and momentum
In contrast to the control group, those in the intervention allocated more time to prepare for job prospects. During the study, participants noted enhanced mood and decreased depressive symptoms. Senior author Stewart Shankman stated the app frames help around finding a job rather than improving depression directly.
Reported by one outlet
Only one outlet has published this. Nothing here has been checked against a second report, so read it as that outlet's account and follow the link below for the original.
Reported by
1 independent outlet. Headline as published. Links open the original report.