The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Mindfulness Interventions for Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
JMIR research protocols June 30, 2025 Ravi Shankar, Anjali Bundele, Amartya Mukhopadhyay 8 citations
Virtual reality (VR) mindfulness interventions may improve mental health outcomes by enhancing engagement and reducing dropout rates compared to traditional methods. Meta-analyses show VR interventions achieve higher engagement and lower dropout, but systematic evaluation of VR-based mindfulness remains limited. This systematic review protocol will assess whether VR-based mindfulness reduces stress, anxiety, and depression and improves well-being in adults aged 18–65 from general and clinical populations, compared to face-to-face mindfulness, digital apps, active controls, or no treatment. The review will search eight databases, include randomized controlled trials, and use meta-analysis with subgroup analyses. Expected results will inform clinical guidelines and health policy.