Hopelab and Grit Digital Health released Nod, a new, free app that helps college students connect during this time of crisis. Nod is an app that uses evidence-based strategies designed to improve student resilience. It provides social connection tips and tools that help students maintain meaningful connections while staying safe and adhering to public health directives.
Nod was originally developed to help college students form and maintain meaningful social connections and combat loneliness on campus. Hopelab and Grit Digital Health pivoted quickly to make Nod available to respond to the new #StayHome reality. Pilot research on Nod showed reductions in loneliness and depression symptoms among the most vulnerable students. This research was conducted at the University of Oregon in Fall 2019 with first-year students, and study results were accepted for presentation at the Association for Psychological Science Annual Meeting.
Hopelab and Grit Digital Health adapted Nod to address the social connection crisis brought about by COVID-19 and are committed to sharing it for free with college students around the country during this time of unprecedented need. The Nod app uses evidence-based practices including principles of positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based self-compassion to help support young adults in developing social connection skills and emotional resilience.
FOr more information visit the Nod website.