Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Nov 28, 2022
Date Accepted: Jun 21, 2023
Mindfulness-Based Mobile Applications and Their Impact on Well-Being in Non-Clinical Populations: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
ABSTRACT
Background:
Mindfulness-based mobile applications have become popular tools for enhancing well-being in today’s fast-paced world. Their ability to reduce geographical, financial, and social barriers makes them a promising alternative to traditional interventions.
Objective:
As most available apps lack a theoretical framework, this review aims to evaluate their effectiveness and to assess their quality. We expected to find small sample sizes, high drop-out rates, and small effect sizes in included studies.
Methods:
A systematic literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PsycInfo, PsycNet, and an institutional database (u:search). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of mobile mindfulness applications on well-being in non-clinical samples were included. Study selection and quality assessment via selected CONSORT Statement criteria were performed by two authors independently and discussed until consensus was met.
Results:
The included 18 RCTs differed in well-being measures, applications, and intervention duration (7 to 56 days; median duration = 29 days). A wide span of sample sizes (N = 23 to 2282; median N = 161) and attrition rates (5.9% to 84.7%; median rate = 24.8%) was observed. Most studies reported positive effects for at least one aspect of well-being. Effects were presented using different metrics, but were primarily small or small-to-medium in size.
Conclusions:
The wide range of sample sizes, attrition rates, intervention periods, and the variation in well-being measures and mobile applications contribute to the limited comparability of studies. Despite most studies reporting small or small-to-medium effects for at least one well-being outcome, this review demonstrates that generalizability of results is limited. Further research is needed to obtain more consistent conclusions regarding the impact of mindfulness-based mobile applications on well-being in non-clinical populations.
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