The efficacy of mindfulness apps on symptoms of depression and anxiety: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Clinical psychology review February 1, 2024 Jake Linardon, Mariel Messer, Simon B Goldberg et al. 61 citations
Mindfulness apps produce small but significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to control groups. A meta-analysis of 45 randomized controlled trials found effect sizes of g = 0.24 for depression (46 comparisons, 5,852 participants) and g = 0.28 for anxiety (48 comparisons, 6,082 participants). These benefits were not due to symptom worsening in control groups and remained when restricting to higher-quality trials. No significant moderators were identified, except that studies offering monetary compensation showed larger effects on depression. When compared to active therapeutic interventions, mindfulness apps showed non-significant effects, though few studies were available. The evidence suggests mindfulness apps can help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, but more rigorous studies with longer follow-up are needed.