Prospects of e-Coaching as a Platform for Empowering Families of Person With Mental Disorder: A Qualitative Study

Unpad Researchers Develop Smartphone-Based e-Coaching to Empower Families Caring for Persons with Mental Disorders at Home

Researchers from Universitas Padjadjaran, led by Mokhamad Arifin, in collaboration with colleagues from Universitas Muhammadiyah Pekajangan Pekalongan, Islamic University Bandung, present an innovative solution in mental health through their study titled “Prospects of e-Coaching as a Platform for Empowering Families of Persons with Mental Disorder: A Qualitative Study” (Arifin et al., 2025). This study explores the potential and benefits of using e-coaching via a smartphone application to enhance the capacity of families caring for members with mental disorders (MD) at home.

Conducted in Pekalongan, Central Java, this qualitative study involved 21 participants from families with MD members, mental health nurses, mental health cadres, and government officials. Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, the findings reveal that e-coaching can provide educational menus and support tailored to family needs, serving as an effective tool to improve their role in managing MD.

These findings align closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the target on mental health and well-being (SDG 3), offering an inclusive and sustainable digital innovation to reduce the burden of mental disorders in the community. The study recommends developing an easy-to-use smartphone-based e-coaching app integrated by healthcare providers to strengthen family involvement in MD care at home.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23779608241282161