Zen_Space: A Smartphone App for Individually Tailored Stress Management Support for College Students

Alleviating stress reduces the risk of developing many chronic health problems. Though the effects of stress on the body may not always be immediately evident, exposure to chronic stress can lead to serious health problems and/or exacerbate existing medical conditions. This research study explores how a personal computing device such as a smartphone can be used to provide information regarding individually tailored stress management activities for college students. Since the use of smartphones is pervasive, one way to address this issue would be to develop a smartphone application in which a user can monitor stress as well as obtain various interventions for stress management. The proposed stress management application is based on information obtained from the user regarding stress type and intensity. An application that provides recommendations for stress-relieving activities can have a positive impact on a student’s health and well-being.