Mindfulness in Unemployment and Sense of Coherence: A Systematic Review of Quality of Life and Indirect Evidence.

Background/Objectives: Unemployment is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes and may negatively affect quality of life. This review aimed to synthesize evidence on the effects of mindfulness interventions on quality of life in unemployed or inactive populations and describe evidence on the relationship between mindfulness-related practices and sense of coherence (SOC), as well as intervention characteristics.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science in February 2026, accepting all types of studies in English or Spanish, except systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Two search strategies identified studies addressing mindfulness, quality of life and unemployment or inactivity, and mindfulness-related practices and SOC. Study selection, data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers. The PRISMA 2020 was followed. It is registered in PROSPERO.

Results: Fourteen studies were included. Direct evidence from unemployed or inactive populations was limited and heterogeneous, mainly assessing psychological distress or related outcomes rather than quality of life. Evidence concerning SOC was predominantly indirect and derived from other populations. Intervention characteristics varied in duration, content and delivery format, with digital tools frequently incorporated in studies involving unemployed populations.

Conclusions: Current evidence is insufficient to establish the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions for improving quality of life or SOC specifically in unemployed or inactive populations. Indirect evidence suggests potential benefits, but differences in populations, interventions and study designs limit applicability. Further research directly targeting these populations, with clearly defined interventions, outcomes and follow-up periods, is warranted.