Background
Mental health (MH) apps are increasingly available, particularly as a part of workplace health promotion programs. However, little is known about factors influencing employees' intention to use MH apps, especially considering employees who currently experience mental health problems.
Objectives
This study aimed to examine predictors of employees' intention to use MH apps by extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with user-specific factors, including mental health literacy and digital literacy.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 111 European employees (aged 21 - 65). Participants completed an online survey assessing perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, mental-health literacy, digital literacy, trust in MH apps, and intention to use MH apps. Multiple regression, moderation, and mediation analyses were performed.
Results
Perceived usefulness of MH apps positively predicted employees' intention to use them, supporting the first hypothesis. In contrast, perceived ease of use of MH apps did not predict intention to use them. Mental health literacy and digital literacy did not moderate the relationships between perceived usefulness and intention to use MH apps, or between perceived ease of use and intention to use MH apps. Among control variables, trust in MH apps, time spent using MH apps, and female gender positively predicted intention to use MH apps. Exploratory analyses further suggested that perceived usefulness was a stronger predictor of intention among employees with current mental-health problems.
Conclusion
These findings highlight the central role of perceived usefulness and trust in driving employees' intention to use MH apps. Understanding these mechanisms can guide organisations in designing interventions that promote MH app uptake and effectiveness, especially among employees with current mental health problems.