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The effects of app-based mindfulness practice on the well-being of university students and staff.

Oskari Lahtinen, Jenni Aaltonen, Johanna K. Kaakinen, Lena Franklin, Jukka Hyönä

Current Psychology May 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01762-z (opens in new tab)

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Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 561
Population University students and staff
Interventions Mindfulness app Psychoeducational online content
Duration 4 weeks
Topics Anxiety Depression Meditation
Keywords Students University staff Mindfulness-app
Key findings Using a mindfulness app for four weeks produced small reductions in stress (d = .16) and depression (d = .16) compared with an active control receiving psychoeducational online content. More practice was not associated with additional improvement in wellbeing. The authors conclude that mindfulness apps offer modest but clear mental health benefits and are a promising supplement to traditional services.

Abstract

Mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and stress have been increasing in many countries and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated their toll. Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to provide evidence-based treatments for anxiety and depression, and accumulating evidence is emerging in support of using mindfulness apps yielding small-to-moderate treatment effects. The study was a 4-week randomized controlled trial with 561 university students and staff as participants, divided into a treatment group (mindfulness app) and an active control group (psychoeducational online content). Depression, anxiety, and stress were evaluated as primary study outcomes. Saliva cortisol samples were also collected from a subgroup of the treatment arm (n = 29). Using the mindfulness app for four weeks resulted in small reductions in stress (d = .16), and depression (d = .16). Attrition was 28.0%. Subjects who practiced more did not experience additional improvement in wellbeing. Mindfulness apps offer modest but clear benefits to users in terms of improved mental health. They present a promising supplement to traditional mental health services.

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

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Anxiety Depression Meditation