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.