A Three-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness, Acceptance, and Negative Effects of StudiCare Mindfulness, an Internet- and Mobile-Based Intervention for College Students with No and “On Demand” Guidance
Ann-Marie Küchler, Dana Schultchen, Tim Dretzler, Morten Moshagen, David Daniel Ebert, Harald Baumeister
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health February 11, 2023 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043208 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 387 |
| Population | College students with moderate or low mindfulness |
| Intervention | guidance on demand |
| Duration | 7-module intervention; follow-up at 1, 2, and 6 months |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 33 |
| Key findings | Both guided-on-demand and unguided versions of a seven-module mindfulness intervention improved mindfulness and most other mental health outcomes compared with a waitlist at two months, with effects generally persisting at six months. Exploratory comparisons between the two versions were mostly non-significant, and guidance on demand was not associated with substantial gains in effectiveness or adherence, though adherence was higher with guidance (39%) than without (28%) at six months. |
Abstract
The college years can be accompanied by mental distress. Internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) have the potential to improve mental health but adherence is problematic. Psychological guidance might promote adherence but is resource intensive. In this three-armed randomized controlled trial, “guidance on demand” (GoD) and unguided (UG) adherence-promoting versions of the seven-module IMI StudiCare Mindfulness were compared with a waitlist control group and each other. The GoD participants could ask for guidance as needed. A total of 387 students with moderate/low mindfulness were recruited. Follow-up assessments took place after 1 (t1), 2 (t2), and 6 (t3) months. Post-intervention (t2), both versions significantly improved the primary outcome of mindfulness (d = 0.91–1.06, 95% CI 0.66–1.32) and most other mental health outcomes (d = 0.25–0.69, 95% CI 0.00–0.94) compared with WL, with effects generally persisting after 6 months. Exploratory comparisons between UG and GoD were mostly non-significant. Adherence was low but significantly higher in GoD (39%) vs. UG (28%) at the 6-month follow-up. Across versions, 15% of participants experienced negative effects, which were mostly mild. Both versions effectively promoted mental health in college students. Overall, GoD was not associated with substantial gains in effectiveness or adherence compared with UG. Future studies should investigate persuasive design to improve adherence.
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 8
- The efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions on mental health among university students: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Public Health 2023
- Mindfulness-Based Programmes for Work Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Stress and Health December 1, 2025
- Digital and In-Person Mindfulness-Based Interventions for University Students' Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Healthcare June 26, 2026
- "StudiCare Mindfulness": effects of an online mindfulness-based intervention on mindfulness, stress, and interoception in university students - a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychology April 29, 2026
- Effects of a mindfulness-based program on the occupational balance and mental health of university students. Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One May 2, 2024
and 3 more in the library
Cites 8
- Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017
- Effectiveness, Acceptability, and Mechanisms of Change of the Internet-Based Intervention StudiCare Mindfulness for College Students: a Randomized Controlled Trial Mindfulness August 10, 2022
- Engagement Strategies to Improve Adherence and Retention in Web-Based Mindfulness Programs: Systematic Review Journal of Medical Internet Research August 28, 2023
- Defining and measuring meditation-related adverse effects in mindfulness-based programs Clinical Psychological Science May 18, 2021
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for University Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being November 19, 2019
and 3 more in the library