Acceptability, usage, and efficacy of mindfulness apps for college student mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.
Journal of affective disorders December 15, 2024 Liva G Lamontagne, Jennifer L Doty, David C Diehl et al. 11 citations
Mindfulness training apps may improve mental health among college students, with moderate certainty of evidence. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 47 studies found that these apps reduced stress by 0.435 standard deviation units and increased emotional well-being by 0.431 units, approaching medium effect sizes. Smaller effects were observed for depression (0.219 units) and anxiety (0.218 units). Distressed participants showed larger improvements in all outcomes except depression. The evidence was moderate for stress, depression, and well-being, and low-to-moderate for anxiety. Sustained usage remains a challenge, and more research is needed on optimal implementation and dosage.