Design and Evaluation of LifeLink: A Persuasive Mobile Application for Caregivers Dealing with Suicidality

Abstract

Suicide is a complex phenomenon wherein, in addition to the individual experiencing suicidal thoughts, its effects seep into many lives including their caregivers. Caregivers seek help everywhere but face unique challenges including limited access to timely resources and personal mental health struggles. Mobile health apps offer a promising solution, but addressing caregivers’ specific needs and challenges remains a concern. To address this gap, we developed LifeLink, a persuasive mobile app to support caregivers of individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. The app was developed in three phases. First, we reviewed 80 existing suicide prevention apps from app stores and the academic literature to identify gaps and different persuasive strategies’ implementations using the Persuasive System Design (PSD) model. Second, based on review findings, we designed a low-fidelity prototype of LifeLink, implementing various evidence-based persuasive strategies. Through a survey and semi-structured interviews, 45 caregivers evaluated the LifeLink app prototype and shared their perspectives, challenges, needs when supporting individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. We refined the app, incorporating caregivers’ feedback. Finally, we developed and evaluated LifeLink app in another study with 50 caregivers after a week of use. Results show that LifeLink is user-friendly, engaging, elicits a positive user experience and effectively empowers caregivers. The app’s persuasive strategies were found to be significantly persuasive in influencing caregiver behaviours toward supporting individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. LifeLink usage was associated with improved mental wellbeing, increased mental health literacy and a more supportive environment for caregivers. We provide insights from two qualitative studies on caregivers’ needs and challenges, design recommendations for suicide prevention apps and highlight the importance of involving caregivers in the design process. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the development of persuasive technology for suicide prevention that is user-friendly, impactful and has a positive user experience.