What Moves Parents to Recommend Digital Mental Health Tools for Youth? Behavioral Insights and Implications

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this study we aimed to examine behavioral determinants influencing parents' willingness to recommend digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) to their youth, guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behavior (COM‐B) model. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 22 parents of adolescents aged 13–19 years with mental health concerns. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed using a hybrid inductive‐deductive approach. Findings were mapped onto COM‐B domains. Capability barriers included low awareness, uncertainty about SSIs, and difficulty navigating digital tools. Opportunity facilitators involved embedding SSIs in trusted settings and receiving endorsements from credible sources, though views on peer recommendations were mixed. Motivation was shaped by alignment with parental values (e.g., safety, communication) and emotional responses such as fear or skepticism related to DMHIs and privacy. Results from this study highlight the need for dissemination strategies that directly address parental concerns and priorities, including culturally relevant messaging, tailored framing, and delivery through familiar and trusted community settings.