Science backed. Research tested.

Explore the science behind Nod and the efficacy testing that established important mental health and student success benefits.

The science behind Nod

The Nod intervention is rooted in evidence-based practices including principles of positive psychology, cognitive and behavioral skill-building, and mindful self-compassion.

paper-airplane-illustration-with-thank-you-written-on-it-and-floral-designs

Positive Psychology

Nod’s ideas and reflections encourage behaviors proven to improve well-being, mood, and relationship quality, including:

Expressing gratitude
Performing acts of kindness
Savoring moments of positive emotion

illustration-of-gerbils-dreaming-about-a-lock-and-key

Cognitive and Behavioral Skill Building

Nod provides ideas and advice to support the growth of skills and behaviors that strengthen social connections. These include:

Active listening
Initiating social outreach
Being receptive to others’ invitations
Engaging in appropriate self-disclosure

calendar-illustration-with-animal-hand-marking-off-days-on-the-calendar

Self Compassion

When difficult social experiences occur, Nod provides reflection exercises designed to reduce self-focus and boost feelings of connectedness to and empathy for others. These include:

Mindfulness
Self-compassion
Kindness and acceptance towards oneself

Rigorous Testing.
Positive Outcomes.

A 2019 randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that Nod buffered students from loneliness and depression with positive secondary outcomes of improved sleep quality, social connections, and intent to persist. Learn more about our research.

View the full study

team-of-raccoons-and-a-rat-in-headbands-and-sweatsuits-looking-to-motivate

The Study

ABOUT THE RESEARCH

4 week waitlist controlled design

WHO PARTICIPATED

220 incoming first year students
at the University of Oregon
47% identified as non-white
34% identified as first generation

hippo-in-campus-t-shirt-and-safari-hat-driving-a-jeep

The Outcomes

Students who came to college with heightened loneliness and depression found using Nod helped to buffer against an increase in those symptoms while supporting improvements in:

Sleep quality
Campus belonging
Perceived social support
Intention to persist in school

Designed for Students with Students

We believe that young people play an integral role in defining the issues that are most important to them and in shaping the solutions. We work right alongside young people throughout our design process and our products are undoubtedly better for it.

LEARN MORE