Effects of virtual reality mindfulness interventions on depression and anxiety: a meta-analysis
Xiuchuan He, Yuanli Ren, Qian Bian, Yajing Wang, Xiaojing Wang
European Journal of Psychotraumatology May 26, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2026.2664277 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 864 |
| Population | Participants in randomized controlled trials of VR-based mindfulness interventions for depression and/or anxiety |
| Intervention | VR-based mindfulness interventions |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Virtual reality Mindfulness therapy Meta-analysis Realidad virtual |
| Key findings | VR-based mindfulness interventions were associated with significant reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms, with larger effects among older adults and in Eastern regions. |
Abstract
Background: Depression and anxiety are common mental health problems that frequently co-occur with trauma-related disorders and often develop following traumatic or stressful events, substantially impairing quality of life. Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to reduce these symptoms; however, their widespread implementation is often limited by poor accessibility and low adherence. Virtual reality (VR) may enhance mindfulness delivery through immersive experiences, but the overall efficacy of VR-based mindfulness interventions and the factors influencing their effectiveness remain unclear.Objective: This exploratory meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of VR-based mindfulness interventions in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms and to explore potential moderators (population, region, immersion level, and intervention duration).Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and other databases up to 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating VR-based mindfulness interventions for depression and/or anxiety were included. Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.4, calculating standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results: Fifteen RCTs involving 864 participants were included. VR-based mindfulness interventions were associated with significant reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms. Subgroup analyses indicated larger effect sizes among older adults (SMD = −1.40, p = .005) and in studies conducted in Eastern regions (SMD = −1.07, p < .00001). Both immersive and semi-immersive VR formats were effective. Interventions of short duration (≤4 weeks) and moderate duration (>6 to ≤8 weeks) showed benefits, and session lengths of ≤30 min were associated with greater symptom reduction (SMD = −0.93, p = .005).Conclusions: This exploratory meta-analysis suggests that VR-based mindfulness interventions are associated with reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms, moderated by intervention duration and regional cultural context. These findings support the potential of VR-based mindfulness as an accessible adjunctive approach, though high-quality studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm sustained effects and improve generalizability.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 20
- Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse JAMA Psychiatry April 28, 2016
- Testing the mindfulness-to-meaning theory: Evidence for mindful positive emotion regulation from a reanalysis of longitudinal data. PLoS One December 6, 2017
- Examining the Use of Virtual Reality to Support Mindfulness Skills Practice in Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Mixed Methods Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research December 6, 2024
- The impact of immersive virtual reality meditation for depression and anxiety among inpatients with major depressive and generalized anxiety disorders. Frontiers in Psychology 2024
- The Efficacy and Durability of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in the Treatment of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine May 1, 2025
and 15 more in the library