The science behind Headstrong

Headstrong was developed by a team of experts in digital innovation for youth mental health from the University of Auckland. The tool’s content draws on Māori, Pacific and Western science. We use Te Whare Tapa Whā as our holistic wellbeing model.

Co-designed social media advertising for Headstrong: an app to help young people build resilience and a healthy outlook on life

Ludin N, Prescott A, Martínez-García A et al. 2026. Mental Health & Prevention.

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"She Actually Sounds Like a Real Person" - Exploring Young Adults' Views About Aroha, a Chatbot for Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic

Kang A, Hetrick S, Cargo T et al. 2023. JMIR Formative Research

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A Chatbot to Support Young People During the COVID-19 Pandemic in New Zealand: Evaluation of the Real-World Rollout of an Open Trial

Ludin N, Holt-Quick C, Hopkins S et al. 2022. J Med Internet Res

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21-Day Stress Detox: Open Trial of a Universal Well-Being Chatbot for Young Adults

Williams R, Hopkins S, Frampton C et al. 2021. Social Sciences

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A Chatbot Architecture for Promoting Youth Resilience

Holt-Quick C, Warren J, Stasiak K et al. 2020. Arxiv.

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Benefits backed by science

Developed with rangatahi & digital experts at the University of Auckland. The content draws on culturally responsive and evidence-based strategies.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Identify and change negative thought patterns, improve emotional regulation and engage in healthier behaviours.

Te Whare Tapa Whā

Support for your mind and body, your connections with whānau and friends, & your spirit or beliefs. All these parts need to be strong and balanced for you to feel your best!

Positive Psychology

Leveraging rangatahi's inherent strengths to foster optimism, gratitude, and a positive outlook on life.

Relaxation & Mindfulness

Boost self-awareness, align actions with values, enhance self-esteem, and assist with better sleep.

Interpersonal Skills & Communication

Learn how to handle complex relationship dynamics,  develop meaningful & genuine connections.

Substance Use & Harm Minimisation

Guidance for safer choices and behaviour changes, with the aim of empowering teens to prioritise their safety and wellbeing.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Identify and change negative thought patterns, improve emotional regulation and engage in healthier behaviours.

Te Whare Tapa Whā

Support for your mind and body, your connections with whānau and friends, & your spirit or beliefs. All these parts need to be strong and balanced for you to feel your best!

Positive Psychology

Leveraging rangatahi's inherent strengths to foster optimism, gratitude, and a positive outlook on life.

Relaxation & Mindfulness

Boost self-awareness, align actions with values, enhance self-esteem, and assist with better sleep.

Interpersonal Skills & Communication

Learn how to handle complex relationship dynamics, develop meaningful & genuine connections.

Substance Use & Harm Minimisation

Guidance for safer choices and behaviour changes, with the aim of empowering teens to prioritise their safety and wellbeing.

Want to collaborate?

We can mail you free high quality printouts, merch, worksheets, posters and more. Just input your details and someone from our team will get in touch!

contact@headstrong.org.nz