Can a little bit of mindfulness do you good? A systematic review and meta-analyses of unguided mindfulness-based self-help interventions.
Clin Psychol Rev August 30, 2021 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102078 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether unguided mindfulness-based self-help interventions, such as apps or books used without a teacher, improve mental health. Across 28 randomized controlled trials, these interventions produced small but significant benefits for anxiety, depression, and mindfulness skills compared to control conditions. Effects were stronger when participants received some human support alongside the self-help materials. The evidence suggests that brief, self-directed mindfulness practice can yield modest improvements, but the overall quality of studies was mixed, and longer-term effects remain unclear.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Unguided mindfulness-based self-help interventions produce small but significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and mindfulness compared to control conditions. |
Abstract
Can a little bit of mindfulness do you good? A systematic review and meta-analyses of unguided mindfulness-based self-help interventions.