Developing a mental well-being application for Filipino young adults: A pilot study and lessons from LUNA

Long after the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact on mental health remains a critical concern – especially in the Filipino community, which continues to face challenges in accessing psychological resources. This study aimed to develop and pilot a mobile mental well-being application called LUNA, designed for young Filipino adults. The app integrates evidence-based tools such as mindfulness exercises, journaling, and mood tracking, which are known to reduce psychological distress and promote positive mental health. Filipino participants aged 20 to 30 were invited to use LUNA consistently over four weeks. Quantitative results demonstrated a significant increase in positive affect and overall mental well-being among users, though no notable change was observed in levels of negative affect. In-depth qualitative feedback highlighted user experiences, shedding light on LUNA’s efficacy in supporting self-management of mental well-being. The study concludes by describing the dynamic relationship between users and the application, impacted by a network of interactive elements that ultimately influence mental health outcomes. Key lessons from LUNA’s pilot phase offer valuable insights for researchers and app developers in the field, emphasising the importance of culturally sensitive design and sustained user engagement for the future of digital mental healthcare in the Philippines.