Science & evidence
RIVA PSY
RIVA PSY
How RIVA PSY is built, what it relies on, and what has not been proven
Scientific foundations
RIVA PSY brings together approaches from several schools of psychology — CBT, DBT, rational emotive therapy, emotional-imagery therapy, body-oriented therapy, art therapy and others. The same problem can be worked on with different methods, and the user chooses what works best for them.
This page lists the sources behind the exercises and topics in the app and says what each source does and does not show. We separate evidence for a method from evidence about RIVA PSY itself. The app is educational: it does not treat or diagnose, and it does not replace a psychotherapist.
Sources for the approaches and practices the app combines are given in the "Approaches and practices" section below. Where the evidence comes from clinical or laboratory settings, we say so.
RIVA PSY brings together approaches from several schools of psychology — CBT, DBT, rational emotive therapy, emotional-imagery therapy, body-oriented therapy, art therapy and others. The same problem can be worked on with different methods, and the user chooses what works best for them.
This page lists the sources behind the exercises and topics in the app and says what each source does and does not show. We separate evidence for a method from evidence about RIVA PSY itself. The app is educational: it does not treat or diagnose, and it does not replace a psychotherapist.
Sources for the approaches and practices the app combines are given in the "Approaches and practices" section below. Where the evidence comes from clinical or laboratory settings, we say so.
How it works
- Emotion diary (SMER). You record a situation, thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations and reactions. It takes about two minutes.
- Charts and analytics. They show connections between situations, body and emotions.
- Audio sessions, breathing and meditation exercises.
- Guided journals. 22 topics with questions and a short insight. Next to each topic title there is an (i) icon that opens the scientific basis of the topic. The same basis is given below.
- Reminders and a crisis support page with helpline numbers.
Evidence by feature
How to read this section. For each topic below we give what the source says (as shown in the app), full references with a DOI where one exists, and the limits. Research on a method or phenomenon is not research on RIVA PSY: where the exercise itself has not been studied in the app, we say so.
Emotion diary (SMER) and cognitive distortions
The diary structure "situation – thoughts – emotions – reaction" draws on the cognitive-behavioural approach, which links emotions to thoughts about a situation. The classification of cognitive distortions goes back to the work of Aaron Beck.
Sources:
Beck, A. T. (1963). Thinking and depression: I. Idiosyncratic content and cognitive distortions. Archives of General Psychiatry. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1963.01720160014002
Hofmann, S. G., et al. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: a review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research. doi:10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
Limit: Meta-analyses support CBT delivered by a clinician. They do not show that the diary in the app has the same effect.
Disappointment
Expectation-disconfirmation model (Oliver, 1980) — the gap between expectation and reality as the source of the emotional reaction; ACT's approach to values clarification.
Sources:
Oliver, R. L. (1980). A cognitive model of the antecedents and consequences of satisfaction decisions. Journal of Marketing Research. doi:10.2307/3150499
Hayes, S. C., et al. (2006). Acceptance and commitment therapy: model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2005.06.006
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Regret
Neal Roese's research (Northwestern University) on regret and counterfactual thinking — the distinction between action and inaction regret, the "opportunity principle."
Sources:
Roese, N. J., & Summerville, A. (2005). What we regret most... and why. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. doi:10.1177/0146167205274693
Gilovich, T., & Medvec, V. H. (1995). The experience of regret: what, when, and why. Psychological Review. doi:10.1037/0033-295x.102.2.379
Limit: This is observational or laboratory research on the phenomenon, not a trial of an app-based exercise.
Resentment
James Pennebaker's Expressive Writing method — a scientifically validated protocol for writing about painful experience; the "injustice gap" concept from forgiveness research.
Sources:
Pennebaker, J. W., & Beall, S. K. (1986). Confronting a traumatic event: toward an understanding of inhibition and disease. Journal of Abnormal Psychology. doi:10.1037/0021-843x.95.3.274
Frattaroli, J. (2006). Experimental disclosure and its moderators: a meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.132.6.823
Limit: Meta-analyses show small average effects of expressive writing; transfer to this app's guided questions has not been tested.
Inner Critic
Internal Family Systems (Richard Schwartz) — the critic as a protector part; Kristin Neff's self-compassion research — the technique of writing to yourself as you would to a close friend.
Sources:
Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-compassion: an alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity. doi:10.1080/15298860309032
Schwartz, R. C. (1995). Internal Family Systems Therapy. Guilford Press.
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Fusion with Others' Emotions
Tania Singer and Olga Klimecki's neuroscience research — the distinction between empathy ("feeling with," leads to distress) and compassion ("feeling for," sustains).
Sources:
Klimecki, O. M., et al. (2014). Differential pattern of functional brain plasticity after compassion and empathy training. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. doi:10.1093/scan/nst060
Singer, T., & Klimecki, O. M. (2014). Empathy and compassion. Current Biology. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2014.06.054
Limit: This is observational or laboratory research on the phenomenon, not a trial of an app-based exercise.
Perfectionism and Control
Hewitt and Flett's multidimensional perfectionism model; ACT's approach to psychological flexibility.
Sources:
Hewitt, P. L., & Flett, G. L. (1991). Perfectionism in the self and social contexts: conceptualization, assessment, and association with psychopathology. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.60.3.456
Hayes, S. C., et al. (2006). Acceptance and commitment therapy: model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2005.06.006
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Catastrophizing and Future Anxiety
The "Catastrophizing" cognitive distortion (Aaron Beck); the decatastrophizing technique — a core CBT tool.
Sources:
Beck, A. T. (1963). Thinking and depression: I. Idiosyncratic content and cognitive distortions. Archives of General Psychiatry. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1963.01720160014002
Hofmann, S. G., et al. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: a review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research. doi:10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Information Overload and Defocus
John Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory; Stephen Kaplan's Attention Restoration Theory.
Sources:
Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: effects on learning. Cognitive Science. doi:10.1207/s15516709cog1202_4
Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: toward an integrative framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology. doi:10.1016/0272-4944(95)90001-2
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Impulsive Buying
Rook (1987) — impulse buying as a sudden emotional urge; Rook & Gardner (1993) — a share of impulse purchases are driven by negative emotions.
Sources:
Rook, D. W. (1987). The buying impulse. Journal of Consumer Research. doi:10.1086/209105
Rook, D. W., & Gardner, M. P. (1993). In the mood: impulse buying's affective antecedents. Research in Consumer Behavior, vol. 6. JAI Press.
Limit: This is observational or laboratory research on the phenomenon, not a trial of an app-based exercise.
Relationship Problems
John Gottman's research — the "Four Horsemen" as relationship-damaging patterns.
Sources:
Gottman, J. M., & Levenson, R. W. (1992). Marital processes predictive of later dissolution: behavior, physiology, and health. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.63.2.221
Limit: This is observational or laboratory research on the phenomenon, not a trial of an app-based exercise.
Jealousy
Attachment theory — jealousy intensity is often linked to attachment anxiety.
Sources:
Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.52.3.511
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
How to read this section. For each topic below we give what the source says (as shown in the app), full references with a DOI where one exists, and the limits. Research on a method or phenomenon is not research on RIVA PSY: where the exercise itself has not been studied in the app, we say so.
Emotion diary (SMER) and cognitive distortions
The diary structure "situation – thoughts – emotions – reaction" draws on the cognitive-behavioural approach, which links emotions to thoughts about a situation. The classification of cognitive distortions goes back to the work of Aaron Beck.
Sources:
Beck, A. T. (1963). Thinking and depression: I. Idiosyncratic content and cognitive distortions. Archives of General Psychiatry. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1963.01720160014002
Hofmann, S. G., et al. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: a review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research. doi:10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
Limit: Meta-analyses support CBT delivered by a clinician. They do not show that the diary in the app has the same effect.
Disappointment
Expectation-disconfirmation model (Oliver, 1980) — the gap between expectation and reality as the source of the emotional reaction; ACT's approach to values clarification.
Sources:
Oliver, R. L. (1980). A cognitive model of the antecedents and consequences of satisfaction decisions. Journal of Marketing Research. doi:10.2307/3150499
Hayes, S. C., et al. (2006). Acceptance and commitment therapy: model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2005.06.006
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Regret
Neal Roese's research (Northwestern University) on regret and counterfactual thinking — the distinction between action and inaction regret, the "opportunity principle."
Sources:
Roese, N. J., & Summerville, A. (2005). What we regret most... and why. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. doi:10.1177/0146167205274693
Gilovich, T., & Medvec, V. H. (1995). The experience of regret: what, when, and why. Psychological Review. doi:10.1037/0033-295x.102.2.379
Limit: This is observational or laboratory research on the phenomenon, not a trial of an app-based exercise.
Resentment
James Pennebaker's Expressive Writing method — a scientifically validated protocol for writing about painful experience; the "injustice gap" concept from forgiveness research.
Sources:
Pennebaker, J. W., & Beall, S. K. (1986). Confronting a traumatic event: toward an understanding of inhibition and disease. Journal of Abnormal Psychology. doi:10.1037/0021-843x.95.3.274
Frattaroli, J. (2006). Experimental disclosure and its moderators: a meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.132.6.823
Limit: Meta-analyses show small average effects of expressive writing; transfer to this app's guided questions has not been tested.
Inner Critic
Internal Family Systems (Richard Schwartz) — the critic as a protector part; Kristin Neff's self-compassion research — the technique of writing to yourself as you would to a close friend.
Sources:
Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-compassion: an alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity. doi:10.1080/15298860309032
Schwartz, R. C. (1995). Internal Family Systems Therapy. Guilford Press.
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Fusion with Others' Emotions
Tania Singer and Olga Klimecki's neuroscience research — the distinction between empathy ("feeling with," leads to distress) and compassion ("feeling for," sustains).
Sources:
Klimecki, O. M., et al. (2014). Differential pattern of functional brain plasticity after compassion and empathy training. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. doi:10.1093/scan/nst060
Singer, T., & Klimecki, O. M. (2014). Empathy and compassion. Current Biology. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2014.06.054
Limit: This is observational or laboratory research on the phenomenon, not a trial of an app-based exercise.
Perfectionism and Control
Hewitt and Flett's multidimensional perfectionism model; ACT's approach to psychological flexibility.
Sources:
Hewitt, P. L., & Flett, G. L. (1991). Perfectionism in the self and social contexts: conceptualization, assessment, and association with psychopathology. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.60.3.456
Hayes, S. C., et al. (2006). Acceptance and commitment therapy: model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2005.06.006
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Catastrophizing and Future Anxiety
The "Catastrophizing" cognitive distortion (Aaron Beck); the decatastrophizing technique — a core CBT tool.
Sources:
Beck, A. T. (1963). Thinking and depression: I. Idiosyncratic content and cognitive distortions. Archives of General Psychiatry. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1963.01720160014002
Hofmann, S. G., et al. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: a review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research. doi:10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Information Overload and Defocus
John Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory; Stephen Kaplan's Attention Restoration Theory.
Sources:
Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: effects on learning. Cognitive Science. doi:10.1207/s15516709cog1202_4
Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: toward an integrative framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology. doi:10.1016/0272-4944(95)90001-2
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Impulsive Buying
Rook (1987) — impulse buying as a sudden emotional urge; Rook & Gardner (1993) — a share of impulse purchases are driven by negative emotions.
Sources:
Rook, D. W. (1987). The buying impulse. Journal of Consumer Research. doi:10.1086/209105
Rook, D. W., & Gardner, M. P. (1993). In the mood: impulse buying's affective antecedents. Research in Consumer Behavior, vol. 6. JAI Press.
Limit: This is observational or laboratory research on the phenomenon, not a trial of an app-based exercise.
Relationship Problems
John Gottman's research — the "Four Horsemen" as relationship-damaging patterns.
Sources:
Gottman, J. M., & Levenson, R. W. (1992). Marital processes predictive of later dissolution: behavior, physiology, and health. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.63.2.221
Limit: This is observational or laboratory research on the phenomenon, not a trial of an app-based exercise.
Jealousy
Attachment theory — jealousy intensity is often linked to attachment anxiety.
Sources:
Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.52.3.511
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Fear of Meeting New People
Clark and Wells' (1995) cognitive model of social anxiety.
Sources:
Clark, D. M., & Wells, A. (1995). A cognitive model of social phobia. In R. G. Heimberg et al. (Eds.), Social Phobia: Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment. Guilford Press.
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Impostor Syndrome
Clance & Imes (1978), who coined the term — the "impostor cycle."
Sources:
Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice. doi:10.1037/h0086006
Limit: This is observational or laboratory research on the phenomenon, not a trial of an app-based exercise.
Peopled Out
Eysenck's Arousal Theory of Extraversion — introverts have a higher baseline cortical arousal.
Sources:
Eysenck, H. J. (1967). The Biological Basis of Personality. Charles C Thomas.
Limit: The theory is debated in the scientific literature; the app uses it as an explanatory framework, not as established fact.
Procrastination: What Emotion Is Being Avoided
Fuschia Sirois and Timothy Pychyl's research — procrastination as mood regulation.
Sources:
Sirois, F., & Pychyl, T. (2013). Procrastination and the priority of short-term mood regulation: consequences for future self. Social and Personality Psychology Compass. doi:10.1111/spc3.12011
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
The Anger Iceberg
The anger-as-secondary-emotion model; DBT treats anger as a valid signal of a boundary violation.
Sources:
Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT Skills Training Manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Greenberg, L. S. (2002). Emotion-focused therapy: coaching clients to work through their feelings. American Psychological Association. doi:10.1037/10447-000
Limit: The sources describe primary and secondary emotions in DBT and in emotion-focused therapy. The "anger iceberg" picture is a teaching metaphor built on that idea, not a separate research finding.
I have no energy and don't want to do anything
Maslach Burnout Inventory (Christina Maslach) — three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, cynicism/depersonalization, reduced efficacy.
Sources:
Maslach, C., & Jackson, S. E. (1981). The measurement of experienced burnout. Journal of Organizational Behavior (Journal of Occupational Behaviour). doi:10.1002/job.4030020205
Limit: The source describes a measurement instrument and the structure of the phenomenon. The app does not measure or diagnose burnout.
How to find meaning in life
Viktor Frankl's logotherapy — three paths to meaning: creation, relationships, attitude toward suffering.
Sources:
Frankl, V. E. (1959). Man's Search for Meaning (English ed., Beacon Press, 2006). Beacon Press.
Limit: This is a foundational book: a conceptual source rather than a controlled study.
I feel lonely and like no one needs me
John Cacioppo's loneliness research — a subjective signal with an evolutionary function, distinct from objective isolation.
Sources:
Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness matters: a theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine. doi:10.1007/s12160-010-9210-8
Cacioppo, J. T., & Hawkley, L. C. (2009). Perceived social isolation and cognition. Trends in Cognitive Sciences. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2009.06.005
Limit: This is observational or laboratory research on the phenomenon, not a trial of an app-based exercise.
How to get over a breakup
Helen Fisher and colleagues' neuroimaging research — romantic rejection and brain reward-system activity.
Sources:
Fisher, H. E., et al. (2010). Reward, addiction, and emotion regulation systems associated with rejection in love. Journal of Neurophysiology. doi:10.1152/jn.00784.2009
Limit: This is observational or laboratory research on the phenomenon, not a trial of an app-based exercise.
Why do I keep attracting the same kind of people
Attachment theory — early experience shapes "internal working models" for adult relationships.
Sources:
Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.52.3.511
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
I'm afraid of getting sick
Salkovskis and Warwick's cognitive-behavioral model of health anxiety — the role of checking behavior in maintaining the cycle.
Sources:
Salkovskis, P. M., & Warwick, H. M. C. (1986). Morbid preoccupations, health anxiety and reassurance: a cognitive-behavioural approach to hypochondriasis. Behaviour Research and Therapy. doi:10.1016/0005-7967(86)90041-0
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Approaches and practices
Below are the sources for the approaches and practices the app combines. The app uses elements of them in a self-help format; it is not therapy, and its effect in this format has not been tested.
Rational emotive therapy
Rational emotive behavior therapy (Albert Ellis): emotional reactions depend on beliefs about events.
Sources:
Ellis, A. (1962). Reason and Emotion in Psychotherapy. Lyle Stuart.
David, D., et al. (2018). 50 years of rational-emotive and cognitive-behavioral therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology. doi:10.1002/jclp.22514
Limit: The meta-analysis supports rational-emotive and cognitive-behavioural therapy delivered by trained therapists. There is no such evidence for the app format.
DBT (dialectical behavior therapy)
DBT (Marsha Linehan) teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness.
Sources:
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. Guilford Press.
Linehan, M. M., et al. (1991). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of chronically parasuicidal borderline patients. Archives of General Psychiatry. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1991.01810360024003
Limit: The 1991 trial tested the full DBT programme (individual therapy plus skills training) in people with borderline personality disorder and parasuicidal behaviour. It does not show that the exercises in the app work the same way.
Working with imagery
Mental imagery is closely tied to emotion; imagery-based techniques, such as imagery rescripting, are used in clinical practice. This is the closest international literature to the app's imagery exercises.
Sources:
Holmes, E. A., & Mathews, A. (2010). Mental imagery in emotion and emotional disorders. Clinical Psychology Review. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2010.01.001
Arntz, A., & Weertman, A. (1999). Treatment of childhood memories: theory and practice. Behaviour Research and Therapy. doi:10.1016/s0005-7967(98)00173-9
Limit: The evidence comes from clinical and laboratory settings. The app's imagery exercises are self-guided and have not been tested in that form.
Body-oriented approaches
Body-oriented approaches use bodily sensations and body awareness as part of working with emotions.
Sources:
Röhricht, F. (2009). Body oriented psychotherapy. The state of the art in empirical research and evidence-based practice: a clinical perspective. Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy. doi:10.1080/17432970902857263
Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2015). Somatic experiencing: using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00093
Limit: Research is smaller and more varied than for CBT, and part of the literature is conceptual rather than controlled trials. The app does not replace body-oriented psychotherapy.
Art therapy
Creative activity is used to express and work through emotions.
Sources:
Slayton, S. C., D'Archer, J., & Kaplan, F. (2010). Outcome studies on the efficacy of art therapy: a review of findings. Art Therapy. doi:10.1080/07421656.2010.10129660
Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of cortisol levels and participants' responses following art making. Art Therapy. doi:10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832
Limit: Reviews describe a limited and varied evidence base; a short art-making session in a study is not the same as art therapy in an app.
Audio practices and meditation
A meta-analysis of meditation programmes found moderate evidence of reduced anxiety and depression symptoms (small effects) and no evidence of superiority over active treatments.
Sources:
Goyal, M., et al. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13018
Limit: The programmes were taught by instructors over several weeks; the app's audio sessions are a different format, and not all of them are meditation.
Breathing exercises
Studies in healthy adults link slow breathing with greater relaxation and lower physiological arousal; in a randomized study, five minutes a day of structured breathing improved mood.
Sources:
Zaccaro, A., et al. (2018). How breath-control can change your life: a systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353
Balban, M. Y., et al. (2023). Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal. Cell Reports Medicine. doi:10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100895
Limit: Studies were mostly short and used healthy volunteers; they do not show treatment of anxiety disorders.
Clark and Wells' (1995) cognitive model of social anxiety.
Sources:
Clark, D. M., & Wells, A. (1995). A cognitive model of social phobia. In R. G. Heimberg et al. (Eds.), Social Phobia: Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment. Guilford Press.
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Impostor Syndrome
Clance & Imes (1978), who coined the term — the "impostor cycle."
Sources:
Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice. doi:10.1037/h0086006
Limit: This is observational or laboratory research on the phenomenon, not a trial of an app-based exercise.
Peopled Out
Eysenck's Arousal Theory of Extraversion — introverts have a higher baseline cortical arousal.
Sources:
Eysenck, H. J. (1967). The Biological Basis of Personality. Charles C Thomas.
Limit: The theory is debated in the scientific literature; the app uses it as an explanatory framework, not as established fact.
Procrastination: What Emotion Is Being Avoided
Fuschia Sirois and Timothy Pychyl's research — procrastination as mood regulation.
Sources:
Sirois, F., & Pychyl, T. (2013). Procrastination and the priority of short-term mood regulation: consequences for future self. Social and Personality Psychology Compass. doi:10.1111/spc3.12011
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
The Anger Iceberg
The anger-as-secondary-emotion model; DBT treats anger as a valid signal of a boundary violation.
Sources:
Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT Skills Training Manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Greenberg, L. S. (2002). Emotion-focused therapy: coaching clients to work through their feelings. American Psychological Association. doi:10.1037/10447-000
Limit: The sources describe primary and secondary emotions in DBT and in emotion-focused therapy. The "anger iceberg" picture is a teaching metaphor built on that idea, not a separate research finding.
I have no energy and don't want to do anything
Maslach Burnout Inventory (Christina Maslach) — three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, cynicism/depersonalization, reduced efficacy.
Sources:
Maslach, C., & Jackson, S. E. (1981). The measurement of experienced burnout. Journal of Organizational Behavior (Journal of Occupational Behaviour). doi:10.1002/job.4030020205
Limit: The source describes a measurement instrument and the structure of the phenomenon. The app does not measure or diagnose burnout.
How to find meaning in life
Viktor Frankl's logotherapy — three paths to meaning: creation, relationships, attitude toward suffering.
Sources:
Frankl, V. E. (1959). Man's Search for Meaning (English ed., Beacon Press, 2006). Beacon Press.
Limit: This is a foundational book: a conceptual source rather than a controlled study.
I feel lonely and like no one needs me
John Cacioppo's loneliness research — a subjective signal with an evolutionary function, distinct from objective isolation.
Sources:
Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness matters: a theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine. doi:10.1007/s12160-010-9210-8
Cacioppo, J. T., & Hawkley, L. C. (2009). Perceived social isolation and cognition. Trends in Cognitive Sciences. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2009.06.005
Limit: This is observational or laboratory research on the phenomenon, not a trial of an app-based exercise.
How to get over a breakup
Helen Fisher and colleagues' neuroimaging research — romantic rejection and brain reward-system activity.
Sources:
Fisher, H. E., et al. (2010). Reward, addiction, and emotion regulation systems associated with rejection in love. Journal of Neurophysiology. doi:10.1152/jn.00784.2009
Limit: This is observational or laboratory research on the phenomenon, not a trial of an app-based exercise.
Why do I keep attracting the same kind of people
Attachment theory — early experience shapes "internal working models" for adult relationships.
Sources:
Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.52.3.511
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
I'm afraid of getting sick
Salkovskis and Warwick's cognitive-behavioral model of health anxiety — the role of checking behavior in maintaining the cycle.
Sources:
Salkovskis, P. M., & Warwick, H. M. C. (1986). Morbid preoccupations, health anxiety and reassurance: a cognitive-behavioural approach to hypochondriasis. Behaviour Research and Therapy. doi:10.1016/0005-7967(86)90041-0
Limit: This is a theoretical model: it explains why the exercise is built this way, but does not show that the exercise itself has been tested in the app.
Approaches and practices
Below are the sources for the approaches and practices the app combines. The app uses elements of them in a self-help format; it is not therapy, and its effect in this format has not been tested.
Rational emotive therapy
Rational emotive behavior therapy (Albert Ellis): emotional reactions depend on beliefs about events.
Sources:
Ellis, A. (1962). Reason and Emotion in Psychotherapy. Lyle Stuart.
David, D., et al. (2018). 50 years of rational-emotive and cognitive-behavioral therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology. doi:10.1002/jclp.22514
Limit: The meta-analysis supports rational-emotive and cognitive-behavioural therapy delivered by trained therapists. There is no such evidence for the app format.
DBT (dialectical behavior therapy)
DBT (Marsha Linehan) teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness.
Sources:
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. Guilford Press.
Linehan, M. M., et al. (1991). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of chronically parasuicidal borderline patients. Archives of General Psychiatry. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1991.01810360024003
Limit: The 1991 trial tested the full DBT programme (individual therapy plus skills training) in people with borderline personality disorder and parasuicidal behaviour. It does not show that the exercises in the app work the same way.
Working with imagery
Mental imagery is closely tied to emotion; imagery-based techniques, such as imagery rescripting, are used in clinical practice. This is the closest international literature to the app's imagery exercises.
Sources:
Holmes, E. A., & Mathews, A. (2010). Mental imagery in emotion and emotional disorders. Clinical Psychology Review. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2010.01.001
Arntz, A., & Weertman, A. (1999). Treatment of childhood memories: theory and practice. Behaviour Research and Therapy. doi:10.1016/s0005-7967(98)00173-9
Limit: The evidence comes from clinical and laboratory settings. The app's imagery exercises are self-guided and have not been tested in that form.
Body-oriented approaches
Body-oriented approaches use bodily sensations and body awareness as part of working with emotions.
Sources:
Röhricht, F. (2009). Body oriented psychotherapy. The state of the art in empirical research and evidence-based practice: a clinical perspective. Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy. doi:10.1080/17432970902857263
Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2015). Somatic experiencing: using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00093
Limit: Research is smaller and more varied than for CBT, and part of the literature is conceptual rather than controlled trials. The app does not replace body-oriented psychotherapy.
Art therapy
Creative activity is used to express and work through emotions.
Sources:
Slayton, S. C., D'Archer, J., & Kaplan, F. (2010). Outcome studies on the efficacy of art therapy: a review of findings. Art Therapy. doi:10.1080/07421656.2010.10129660
Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of cortisol levels and participants' responses following art making. Art Therapy. doi:10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832
Limit: Reviews describe a limited and varied evidence base; a short art-making session in a study is not the same as art therapy in an app.
Audio practices and meditation
A meta-analysis of meditation programmes found moderate evidence of reduced anxiety and depression symptoms (small effects) and no evidence of superiority over active treatments.
Sources:
Goyal, M., et al. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13018
Limit: The programmes were taught by instructors over several weeks; the app's audio sessions are a different format, and not all of them are meditation.
Breathing exercises
Studies in healthy adults link slow breathing with greater relaxation and lower physiological arousal; in a randomized study, five minutes a day of structured breathing improved mood.
Sources:
Zaccaro, A., et al. (2018). How breath-control can change your life: a systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353
Balban, M. Y., et al. (2023). Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal. Cell Reports Medicine. doi:10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100895
Limit: Studies were mostly short and used healthy volunteers; they do not show treatment of anxiety disorders.
Safety, privacy and limitations
- The app is educational: it does not treat or diagnose and does not replace a psychotherapist, a doctor or medication. It does not guarantee results.
- It is not an emergency service. If you or someone close to you is in danger, call your local emergency number (112 in the EU) or open the crisis support page.
- Your diary content and voice recordings are stored only on your device. A Google Drive backup is created only when you ask for it and stays in your own account.
- For an account we use your email address and subscription status (Firebase). Details are in the privacy policy.
- Self-help is not suitable for everyone or for every state. With acute symptoms, please contact a professional.
Research on the app itself
RIVA PSY has not yet been evaluated in a published study. The sources above concern the methods and phenomena behind the exercises, not the effectiveness of the app.
RIVA PSY has not yet been evaluated in a published study. The sources above concern the methods and phenomena behind the exercises, not the effectiveness of the app.
Team and responsibility
Galina Egorova — founder and author of the app's psychological content: psychologist, emotional intelligence specialist, master's degree (máster), Spain. Roman Plotnikov — developer. Anna Reviakina — UX/UI designer. Damir — voice of the audio sessions.
Questions and corrections about the sources: support@rivapsy.com. Page updated on 16 October 2026.
Galina Egorova — founder and author of the app's psychological content: psychologist, emotional intelligence specialist, master's degree (máster), Spain. Roman Plotnikov — developer. Anna Reviakina — UX/UI designer. Damir — voice of the audio sessions.
Questions and corrections about the sources: support@rivapsy.com. Page updated on 16 October 2026.