Theory-Based Predictors of Mindfulness Meditation Mobile App Usage: A Survey and Cohort Study

Abstract

Background Mindfulness meditation has become increasingly popular over the last few years, due in part to the increase in mobile apps incorporating the practice. Although studies have demonstrated the potential of mindfulness meditation to positively impact health, little has been uncovered about what predicts engagement in mindfulness meditation. Understanding the predictors of mindfulness meditation may help practitioners and phone app developers improve intervention strategies and app experience. Objective The purpose of this study was to use the Theory of Planned Behavior and Temporal Self-Regulation Theory to determine factors predicting mindfulness meditation mobile app use. Methods The sample consisted of 85 undergraduate students with no prior mindfulness meditation experience. During their first laboratory visit, participants completed tasks to measure their executive functioning and a survey to measure Theory of Planned Behavior constructs about mindfulness meditation. Over the following 2 weeks, participants logged the days and minutes that they practiced mindfulness meditation using a phone app. Hierarchical regression modeling was used to analyze the data. Results After controlling for demographic factors, participant subjective norms (beta=14.51, P =.001) and intentions (beta=36.12, P =.001) were predictive of the number of minutes practicing mindfulness. Participant executive functioning did not predict mindfulness meditation practice, nor did it moderate the link between intentions and mindfulness meditation practice. Participant attitudes (beta=0.44, P <.001) and perceived control (beta=0.42, P =.002) were positively associated with intentions to practice mindfulness. Conclusions These results suggest that among college student populations, the Theory of Planned Behavior may be useful in predicting the use of mindfulness meditation phone apps. However, participant executive functioning was not a predictor or moderator of mindfulness practice, and Temporal Self-Regulation Theory may be less useful for explaining mindfulness meditation behaviors using phone apps over a short period of time among college students. The results have implications for public health professionals, suggesting that a focus on subjective norms and intentions may promote mindfulness meditation practice using phone apps.

The Reach, Use, and Impact of a Free mHealth Mindfulness App in the General Population: Mobile Data Analysis

“…Mobile mental health apps have the potential to reach millions of individuals who are unable to access individualized face-to-face or video therapy services [ 19 , 20 ]. There are many mobile mental health apps currently available, but while research is emerging on how apps work in optimal, highly supported conditions [ 12 , 21 , 22 , 26 , 27 ], less is known about how apps are used by the general population without additional input from providers. For example, what is the most efficacious dosage and duration of use, and how are people inclined to use the app without specific guidance?…”

The Moderating Power of Impulsivity: A Systematic Literature Review Examining the Theory of Planned Behavior

“…The initial search yielded 822 hits, with 698 after the removal of duplicates ( Figure 1 ). After title and abstract review, 41 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 33 studies met the inclusion criteria and were retained in the final review [ 16 , 21 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ]. The majority of the studies utilized a noncontrolled timeseries or pre-post design, with follow-up periods ranging from 1 week to 6 months ( Table 1 ).…”

“…Although the majority of the articles demonstrated support for impulsivity as a moderator, three studies assessed the moderating role of impulsivity in the intention–behavior gap but found no statistical significance [ 33 , 34 , 35 ]. Specifically, Chevance and colleagues’ [ 33 ] investigation of physical activity, Crandall’s [ 34 ] assessment of mindfulness mobile app usage, and Stevens’ [ 35 ] evaluation of alcohol consumption did not demonstrate a significant association.…”

A Smartphone App–Based Mindfulness Intervention for Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Data from a randomized waitlist-controlled trial and a prospective cohort study of Headspace have demonstrated good overall efficacy for improving outcomes such as quality of life and anxiety in women diagnosed with breast cancer [21,23]. However, the overall science of app-based MBIs is still in its early stages and far from achieving consensus about efficacy of intervention platforms, as well as understanding mechanisms of action [12,17]. For example, this is demonstrated by a randomized trial of Headspace with college students that reported no effects for the mindfulness component of Headspace's app-based program [24].…”

“…Most research studies of this nature have tested MBIs such as MBCR when delivered face to face in a group-based setting, although a variety of online-based and digitally adapted MBIs are now available to patients through smartphone apps [11]. Mobile app-based MBIs for cancer patients and survivors allow for considerable flexibility and appeal, especially since they eliminate the need for travel time and problems due to scheduling conflicts [11,12].…”