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Improving mental health during crisis: Outcomes from the EMERALD online lifestyle medicine and coaching program

Author

Listed:
  • Jones, Monique
  • Schwenn, Paul E.
  • Metse, Alexandra P.
  • Watkins, Andrew
  • Hermens, Daniel F.
  • Driver, Christina

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted growing demand on mental health services and the need for scalable early interventions. Lifestyle medicine is a first-line treatment for common mental health disorders. Combining health coaching with lifestyle medicine and online delivery may improve accessibility and effectiveness. This study evaluated the EMERALD program, an 8-week online lifestyle medicine and health coaching intervention delivered as a clinical service during the pandemic. A single arm, pre–post observational design was used, with assessments completed at baseline (week 1) and post-intervention (week 8). Eighty-five adults (M_age = 46.47, SD = 15.47) completed all outcome measures; most participants identified as female (83.5%). Eligible community participants reported mild to moderate anxiety or mood symptoms (PHQ-9 < 14; GAD-7 < 14). Individuals with severe symptoms, suicide risk, or current engagement in psychological or psychiatric treatment were excluded. Depression, anxiety, wellbeing, loneliness, and functioning across life domains (e.g., occupational, social, daily responsibilities) were assessed using validated self-report measures. Significant improvements were observed across all measures, with greater wellbeing gains among those with higher baseline depression severity. These findings support the benefits of online mental health coaching and lifestyle medicine interventions for improving psychological wellbeing during periods of elevated need.

Suggested Citation

  • Jones, Monique & Schwenn, Paul E. & Metse, Alexandra P. & Watkins, Andrew & Hermens, Daniel F. & Driver, Christina, 2026. "Improving mental health during crisis: Outcomes from the EMERALD online lifestyle medicine and coaching program," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 397(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:397:y:2026:i:c:s0277953626002078
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119131
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