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2.3. Summary of the theoretical part
The analysis contained in this study indicates the important role of the family environment and educational interventions in shaping the healthy psychosocial development of children aged 7-12. Erikson’s theory emphasizes the importance of the crisis “diligence vs. sense of inferiority” as fundamental for building a child’s sense of competence and self-worth. Empirical research confirms that parenting style, home atmosphere, organization of household chores and the quality of family relationships are key factors influencing a positive solution to this developmental crisis.
Cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy appears to be an effective tool to support the development of school-age children. CBT provides techniques that can be adapted to children’s developmental needs, supporting the building of mental resilience, the formation of healthy habits, the reduction of anxiety and stress, and the development of self-awareness and self-control. Interventions based on CBT seem to be particularly valuable, as they support the development of goal orientation, shaping a constructive approach to failure, and strengthening self-efficacy.
Modern technologies, including mobile applications implementing elements of CBT, open up new opportunities to support the psychosocial development of children through gamification of the therapeutic process, personalization of interactions and support for parents in the educational process.
To sum up, the integration of Erikson’s psychosocial perspective with CBT tools creates a comprehensive framework for supporting the healthy development of school-age children, and appropriate educational interventions are a key protective factor in the process of building competences and mental resilience, necessary for effective functioning in subsequent stages of life.
3. Fundamental theoretical foundations of the Im2be® application
This part contains the characteristics of the Im2be mobile application project, which is a tool for building appropriate competences that have a significant impact on people’s mental health. In the first parts, there is a short description presenting the historical stages of application development. Further on, the study contains information on the current functionalities of the application and their implications to the theoretical constructs described in the second part.
3.1. Project history
The Im2be® project was initiated in response to the observed contemporary challenges in the functioning of families. This initiative was formed as a result of observations and experiences of an interdisciplinary team of specialists. The chronological development of the project includes several significant stages of transformation that led to the creation of a comprehensive tool to support family relationships.
3.1.1. Genesis of the project (2003-2013). The origins of the Im2be® concept date back to 2003, when the first attempts were made to create tools to support the functioning of families. Early initiatives focused on supporting marital relationships, but they did not bring the expected results. The original concept required a significant theoretical and methodological reorientation.
In 2013, there was a significant change in the approach to the project, which involved a re-evaluation of the mission and research objectives. This period was characterized by intensive conceptual work and the search for new theoretical frameworks that could better respond to the identified social problems.
3.1.2. First prototypes (2014-2016). A breakthrough moment in the development of the project was 2014, when the research emphasis shifted to the developmental needs of children. During this period, an interdisciplinary research team was formed in Poland, whose task was to develop the theoretical foundations of the project and create the first prototypes of the solution.
The years 2014-2016 were characterized by intensive conceptual work, which resulted in the creation of the first prototype versions of Im2be® (versions 1.0-5.0). In June 2016, at the National Science Picnic in Warsaw, an experimental version of the tool developed by the Foundation for Intelligent Technologies was presented. Initial evaluation showed significant potential for the solution, but the prototype needed further development and refinement.
