JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Compared to in-person mental health interventions, programs delivered through mobile applications or the internet might be more cost-effective, scalable, demand less training, and are more acceptable and accessible among populations. In the aftermath of the pandemic, the use of online mental health interventions has increased significantly. However, there is limited understanding of the conditions and populations for which these interventions are most effective.

Objective:

To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis to synthesize findings from existing randomized controlled trials and expand our knowledge on this topic.

Methods:

Research plans were pre-registered before analyzing the data. We conducted a meticulous search strategy including database queries (Education Resources Information Center, PsychINFO, Scopus, PsychArticles, Communication and Mass Media Complete, and Proquest), handsearching, forward and backward citation tracking and retrieved 8944 studies. All literature searches were concluded by March 2024. We only included high-quality randomized controlled trials that target negative mental health issues and were delivered through websites or mobile apps. After double-blinded screening, 64 studies and 247 effect sizes (total sample sizes = 17,388) were eligible to be included in this systematic review and meta-analysis.

Results:

Results showed that these online interventions were effective (ES = -0.80, p < .001) while holding all moderators fixed at their mean. Specifically, online interventions were effective at reducing anxiety, depression, stress, and psychological distress. However, studies on average showed no impacts on suicidal ideation. Moderator analysis showed that online interventions targeting anxiety outcomes are more effective than interventions targeting psychological distress; internet-based interventions are more effective than mobile-app-based interventions, although both modalities showed effectiveness.

Conclusions:

These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in developing cost-effective technology-based mental health interventions. While technology can be a double-edged tool, this review highlighted its benefits for improving adult well-being, particularly in the treatment of mental health symptoms.