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EmOcean, a transdiagnostic digital intervention developed using the person-based approach, is hypothesized to support stress and emotion management and enhance mental health in Portuguese adults.

The paper describes the development of EmOcean, a guided self-help digital intervention for stress and emotion management, based on evidence from quantitative studies, qualitative interviews, a scoping review, and expert consultation. The intervention comprises eight integrated and five optional modules delivered weekly, targeting emotional schemas and psychological flexibility as mediators of mental health. The study found that stress responses, emotional schemas, and psychological flexibility were key predictors of mental health, informing the intervention's design.

Last updated: Aug 4, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. A person-based approach to planning and developing "EmOcean": A transdiagnostic digital intervention for stress and emotion management.

observational

Sebastião R, Rodrigues Ribeiro P, Sardinha E, Martins Castro C, Dias Neto D · BMJ open (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: Not specified
Intervention: EmOcean, a guided self-help digital intervention with eight integrated and five optional modules, delivered sequentially on a weekly basis.
Outcome: Stress and emotion management, mental health (hypothesized outcomes; not yet evaluated for efficacy).
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Portuguese adults (community-based recruitment; quantitative studies n=666, n=583, n=276; qualitative interviews n=29 from high and low stress quartiles).

Result:

PubMed: 42532567DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-117570

Mechanism Graph

Stress responses (more than stressor type) predict mental health.
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Emotional schemas (negative evaluation of emotions, difficulties in reappraisal) and psychological flexibility (behavioral awareness, valued action, openness to experience) mediate this relationship.
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Intervention targets these mediators through psychoeducation and exercises (e.g., cognitive reframing, mindfulness, acceptance, values).
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Result: Improved stress and emotion management, enhanced mental health (hypothesized).

Limitations

  • ⚠This is an intervention development paper; efficacy, acceptability, and feasibility are not yet evaluated.
  • ⚠The intervention is only hypothesized to be effective; no outcome data are reported.
  • ⚠The sample is limited to Portuguese adults, which may limit generalizability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EmOcean?▼

EmOcean is a guided self-help digital intervention for stress and emotion management, developed using the person-based approach, consisting of eight core and five optional modules delivered weekly.

Who is EmOcean designed for?▼

It is designed for Portuguese adults to support stress and emotion management and enhance mental health.

What theoretical models inform EmOcean?▼

It integrates emotional schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, targeting emotional schemas and psychological flexibility as mediators.

Has EmOcean been tested for efficacy?▼

No, this paper describes the development and planning; future studies will evaluate its acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy.

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References

  1. 1.Sebastião R, Rodrigues Ribeiro P, Sardinha E, Martins Castro C, Dias Neto D. "A person-based approach to planning and developing "EmOcean": A transdiagnostic digital intervention for stress and emotion management.." BMJ open, 2026. PMID: 42532567 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-117570
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.