Research findings of Resilience: eDBT app now available

App overview

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for binge-spectrum eating disorders. However, its adoption is often hindered by the high costs and the requirement for over 20 in-person sessions with a trained professional, or six sessions in a guided self-help format.

To address these challenges, Deakin University partnered with Spark Digital to create the Resilience: eDBT app.

Resilience: eDBT offers:

Guided modules:

• Five interactive modules covering topics such as preparing for change, identifying triggers, and mastering DBT skills to manage urges and improve emotional well-being.

Interactive tools:


• Daily Diary Cards: Track emotions, binge-eating urges, and behaviours to identify patterns.
• Chain Analysis Tool: Understand how triggers lead to behaviours and gain actionable insights.
• Gamified Progress Tracking: Badges to keep users motivated.

Personalisation:

• Users engage at their own pace, fostering autonomy in their treatment journey.

Multimedia content:

• Engaging videos, audio, and text to make content accessible and easy to follow.

The app, designed with user feedback, received an impressive usability score of 85.5, well above the industry standard of 68.

Research outcomes: success in numbers

A randomised clinical trial involving over 570 participants demonstrated Resilience’s effectiveness:

• 31% Reduction in binge-eating episodes within 6 weeks (incidence rate ratio = 0.69), with continued improvement at 12 weeks.
• Significant Decrease in global eating disorder psychopathology (effect size = -0.68).
• Broader Benefits: Reduced concerns about weight, shape, dietary restraint, and compensatory behaviours.
• Improved Emotional Regulation: Participants reported greater mindfulness and emotional regulation—key goals of DBT.

Although engagement declined over time—common in digital interventions—the app still delivered significant results with minimal professional involvement, reinforcing its value as an accessible mental health resource.

Research outcome overview

This low-intensity DBT skills training app is designed to treat disordered eating and shows promising results in reducing symptoms.

Spark Digital’s expertise in mental health technology

Resilience is one of many mental health-focused apps developed by Spark Digital. We specialise in combining human-centred design with rigorous research to create impactful solutions for mental health challenges, from managing anxiety and depression to supporting child development.

We believe digital tools like Resilience represent the future of mental health care—accessible, evidence-based, and empowering. By bridging gaps in traditional care, we help individuals take control of their mental health, making support just a tap away.

Click here to read the full study.