The acceptability of wearable devices for promoting adolescent mental wellbeing: A systematic review - Report - MDSpire

The acceptability of wearable devices for promoting adolescent mental wellbeing: A systematic review

  • By

  • Justin Laiti

  • Rhieya Rahul

  • Merinda Mundadan

  • Elaine Byrne

  • Pádraic J. Dunne

  • June 24, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Evaluating the Use of Wearable Technology to Enhance Mental Health

Overview

This systematic review investigates the factors influencing the acceptability of wearable devices for supporting mental wellbeing in adolescents.

Background

Adolescent mental health challenges have intensified, particularly among females, with rising rates of depression and anxiety exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As digital technologies become more prevalent among adolescents, wearable devices are being explored for their role in promoting mental wellbeing. Understanding the acceptability of these tools is essential for their implementation and effectiveness.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial results were provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Wearable devices can collect continuous physiological data, which may aid in monitoring mental health.
  • Acceptability studies are essential for assessing how well these devices meet the needs of adolescents.
  • Barriers to the use of digital technologies among adolescents include privacy concerns and competition for screentime.
  • Existing reviews primarily focus on feasibility and effectiveness rather than acceptability.
  • There is a gap in understanding the design and implementation factors that influence the acceptability of wearables for mental health.

Clinical Implications

Understanding user acceptability can inform the design of interventions tailored to adolescents.

Conclusion

Evaluating the acceptability of wearable devices is important for enhancing their relevance and effectiveness in supporting adolescent mental health.

Related Resources & Content

  1. World Health Organization, WHO, 2025 -- Competency and outcomes framework for adolescent health and well-being
  2. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), JMIR, 2026 -- Assessing the Use of Wearable Mobile-Monitoring Devices Among Individuals With Serious Mental Illness: Qualitative Acceptability and Feasibility Study
  3. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), JMIR, 2026 -- Promoting Psychological Resilience and Well-Being in Youth With a Smartphone-Based Ecological Momentary mHealth Intervention: Secondary Analysis of a Microrandomized Trial
  4. npj Digital Medicine, Nature, 2026 -- Assessing Youth Mental Health Needs Through an Adaptive Digital Tool: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Analysis
  5. Frontiers in Digital Health — Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of digital tools on step count and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in healthy children and adolescents
  6. Competency and outcomes framework for adolescent health and well-being
  7. Using Wearables in Mental Health Care for Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review | Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology | Springer Nature Link
  8. A Scoping Review of Validity Evidence for Technology-Mediated Assessments of Youth Mental Health | School Mental Health | Springer Nature Link

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