Mindfulness-Based Mobile Apps and Their Impact on Well-Being in Nonclinical Populations: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials (Preprint)

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.

Integrasi PRISMA: Analisis Bibliometrik Terhadap Eksplorasi Meditasi Mindfulness dalam Konteks Buddhisme

“…Peningkatan eksponensial dalam penelitian jumlah studi meditasi dan mindfulness telah terjadi selama 2 dekade terakhir (Schwartz et al, 2023). Berbagai tinjauan dan analisis serta rangkuman efek meditasi pada perilaku dan pencitraan otak pada subjek klinis dan non-klinis, telah menunjukkan manfaat kesehatan fisik dan mental yang signifikan .…”