Effectiveness of Online Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Psychological Distress and the Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation
Ying Ma, Zhaozhuo She, Angela Fung-Ying Siu, Xianglong Zeng, Xinghua Liu
Frontiers in Psychology October 31, 2018 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02090 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 76 |
| Population | Participants who completed pre- and post-test in an online mindfulness-based intervention study |
| Interventions | Group mindfulness-based intervention Self-direct mindfulness-based intervention Discussion group |
| Duration | 8-week program, pre- and post-test |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Online mindfulness-based intervention Psychological distress Emotion regulation Randomized control trial Mediating effect |
| Key findings | Online mindfulness-based interventions, particularly group-based, significantly reduced psychological distress and improved mindfulness and emotion regulation, with emotion regulation difficulties mediating the relationship between changes in mindfulness dimensions and changes in distress. |
Abstract
Online mindfulness-based intervention as a feasible and acceptable approach has received mounting attention in recent years, yet more evidence is needed to demonstrate its effectiveness. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effects of online mindfulness-based programs on psychological distress (depression and anxiety). The randomized controlled intervention design consisted of four conditions: group mindfulness-based intervention (GMBI), self-direct mindfulness-based intervention (SDMBI), discussion group (DG) and blank control group (BCG). The program lasted 8 weeks and a total of 76 participants completed the pre- and post-test. Results showed that participants in GMBI and SDMBI had significant pre- and post-test differences on mindfulness, emotion regulation difficulties, and psychological distress, with medium to large effect sizes. In addition, ANCOVA results indicated significant effects of group membership on post-test scores of mindfulness, depression and anxiety when controlling the pretest scores, with medium to large effect sizes. The GMBI appeared to exert the greatest effects on outcome variables in comparison with other groups. In addition, changes in emotion regulation difficulties across groups could mediate the relationship between changes in mindfulness dimensions (Observing and Describing) and changes in psychological distress across groups. These results provided encouraging evidence for the effectiveness of online mindfulness-based interventions in reducing psychological distress, and the possible mediating role of emotion regulation, while also underlining the importance of group discussion in online mindfulness-based interventions.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 15
- Effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy via e-health on anxiety and depression in adults: A meta-analysis. General Hospital Psychiatry July 24, 2025
- Effects of Mindfulness Training on Wellbeing and Emotional Intelligence in Pre-Service Teachers Psicologí a Educativa May 1, 2026
- Efficacy of Yoga-meditation in Managing Mental Stress of Generation Z Pupils International Research Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga January 31, 2024
- Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, and Psychological Distress: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial with High-Achieving University Students in China Mindfulness July 1, 2026
- A Lived Experience of Mindfulness-Based Mentalizing Training Program for Parents (MBMP). A Phenomenological Study. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry February 23, 2026
and 10 more in the library
Cites 10
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- Mindfulness online: a preliminary evaluation of the feasibility of a web-based mindfulness course and the impact on stress BMJ Open 2012
- Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention for the General Public: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mental Health August 8, 2016
- Feasibility and Outcomes of an Internet-Based Mindfulness Training Program: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mental Health July 22, 2016
- Effectiveness of online mindfulness-based interventions in improving mental health: A review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Clinical Psychology Review April 1, 2016
and 5 more in the library