Effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy via e-health on anxiety and depression in adults: A meta-analysis.
Shizhen Wang, Mengru Wu, Jixiang Wei, Wangjie Xia, Zhen Luo, Li Tian
General Hospital Psychiatry July 24, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2025.07.017 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2,588 |
| Population | Adults with anxiety or depression |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | E-health Meta-analysis Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key findings | eMBCT significantly reduced anxiety and depression with small effect sizes, and greater baseline severity predicted larger improvements. |
Abstract
Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent mental health disorders, imposing significant burdens on individuals and healthcare systems. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing these symptoms. Electronic health MBCT (eMBCT) offers a scalable alternative, but its efficacy in alleviating anxiety and depression in adults remains unclear. To examine the treatment efficacy of eMBCT for adult anxiety and depression and identify potential moderators associated with better treatment outcomes. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to February 24, 2024. RCTs comparing eMBCT with usual care, waitlist controls, or active interventions in adults with anxiety or depression were included. Two independent reviewers conducted study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 16.0 to estimate pooled effect sizes. Twelve RCTs (n = 2588) were included. eMBCT significantly reduced anxiety (SMD = -0.33, 95 % CI [-0.52, -0.15], P < 0.001) and depression (SMD = -0.34, 95 % CI [-0.50, -0.17], P < 0.001), with both effects representing a small effect size. Subgroup analysis showed significant short- and long-term effects, but no medium-term benefits. Greater baseline symptom severity was associated with larger improvements. eMBCT effectively alleviates anxiety and depression, with sustained benefits. Future research should enhance its medium-term and long-term effectiveness of eMBCT and explore relevant intervention features that offer patients more flexible and personalized care. CRD42024544712 (PROSPERO).
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Time perspective, mindfulness, and psychological symptoms: psychometric properties of the Turkish short Zimbardo time perspective inventory BMC Psychology December 15, 2025
- Perspective Chapter: Exploring Detached Mindfulness for Anxiety Disorders – Clinical and Implementation Insights from an Italian Mental Health Service Mindfulness Across Disciplines [Working Title] September 2, 2026
Cites 36
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse Psychotherapy Research March 1, 2003
- Mindfulness Training Improves Working Memory Capacity and GRE Performance While Reducing Mind Wandering Psychological Science March 28, 2013
- Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse JAMA Psychiatry April 28, 2016
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: a promising new approach to preventing depressive relapse The British Journal of Psychiatry May 1, 2012
- Web-Based Mindfulness Interventions for People With Physical Health Conditions: Systematic Review Journal of Medical Internet Research August 31, 2017
and 31 more in the library