Person C: Psychological Techniques &
Approaches Report
1. Evidence-Based Psychological Techniques for Students
This section explores key psychological techniques proven to support student mental health
and how they can be adapted into a digital platform.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured therapy that helps students identify and reframe negative thought
patterns. Digitally, it can be adapted as self-guided worksheets and AI chatbot prompts. RCT
evidence shows its strong effectiveness in reducing anxiety and depression in students.
Mindfulness & Meditation
Mindfulness practices, including breathing exercises and meditation, reduce stress and
improve focus. In a digital context, guided audios or short meditation videos can be
provided. Studies confirm improved sleep and exam performance for students.
Journaling & Self-Reflection
Journaling allows students to express emotions, gain clarity, and track progress. Digital
journaling can include text/voice features with privacy-first encryption. Research shows
benefits in reducing rumination and improving emotional regulation.
Peer Support & Community Sharing
Peer-to-peer interaction reduces stigma and fosters social connection. Digitally, moderated
anonymous forums and volunteer-led discussions can replicate this. Evidence shows
improved help-seeking behavior when peer support is accessible.
Mood Tracking & Habit Building
Mood tracking helps detect early signs of distress and builds healthy habits. Students can
log moods with emoji sliders, track weekly summaries, and receive gamified rewards. This
supports both prevention and early intervention.
2. Which Can Be Safely Adapted Digitally?
The following methods are safe and effective to digitize:
✅ CBT micro-modules (self-help, no diagnosis)
✅ Mindfulness & relaxation audio/video
✅ Journaling with secure storage
✅ Peer support forums (moderated)
✅ Mood tracking with streaks and nudges
The following methods must remain human-led:
❌ Full therapy or diagnosis
❌ Crisis counseling (should escalate to helplines)
3. Clinical Safety & Effectiveness
Digital versions of low-intensity interventions (CBT-lite, mindfulness, journaling) are
supported by meta-analyses showing improved outcomes for students. To ensure safety,
the platform must include disclaimers, helpline routing (Tele-MANAS 14416, KIRAN 1800-
599-0019), and escalation protocols for crisis situations.
4. Gamification Integration
Gamification can enhance engagement by rewarding healthy mental health practices:
• CBT → Unlock coping “skills” as levels
• Mindfulness → Streak-based meditation challenges
• Journaling → Daily reflection badges
• Peer support → Points for safe, supportive comments
• Mood tracker → Progress visualization with avatars/graphs
5. Suggested Workflow for Students
1. Daily check-in → Mood log + streak points
2. Screening (PHQ-9 / GAD-7) → Triage badge (Green/Amber/Red)
3. Coping modules unlocked → Breathing, journaling, CBT exercises
4. Community space → Anonymous peer support (moderated)
5. Counsellor escalation → Route to professional/helpline when needed
6. Comparison Table of Techniques
Technique Digital Adaptation Effectiveness Safety Notes
(Evidence)
Cognitive AI chatbot prompts, Strong RCT ✅ Safe in micro-
Behavioral Therapy self-help evidence for modules ❌ Full
(CBT) worksheets, reducing anxiety & therapy must
thought-challenging depression in remain human-led
exercises university students
Mindfulness & Guided audio/video Proven to lower ✅ Safe with short
Meditation in multiple exam stress, guided content
languages, streak- improve focus &
based practice sleep
Journaling & Self- Text/voice Improves self- ✅ Safe, must ensure
Reflection journaling, daily awareness, reduces strong
prompts, encrypted rumination privacy/encryption
storage
Peer Support & Anonymous Encourages help- ⚠ Needs strict
Community moderated forums, seeking, reduces moderation & crisis
upvote supportive stigma escalation
replies
Mood Tracking & Emoji sliders, Early detection of ✅ Safe, should
Habit Building weekly reports, depressive patterns, include referral
gamified streaks habit reinforcement when patterns
worsen
