Effects of online mindfulness-based interventions on the mental health of university students: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Xiao-Gang Gong, Le-Peng Wang, Guang Rong, Dao-Ning Zhang, A-Yuan Zhang, Chao Liu
Frontiers in Psychology February 8, 2023 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1073647 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | University students |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Meta-analysis Students Mental health Systematic review University Online |
| Key findings | Online mindfulness-based interventions improved depression (SMD -0.27), anxiety (SMD -0.47), stress (SMD -0.58), and mindfulness (SMD 0.71) in university students across nine randomized controlled trials, but had no significant effect on wellbeing (SMD 0.30, 95% CI -0.00 to 0.60). The authors conclude that online MBIs could effectively improve mental health in this population while calling for more rigorously designed trials. |
Abstract
Objectives: Mental health problems among university students are a cause of widespread concern. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) delivered online have considerable potential to help university students manage mental health challenges. However, there is no consensus regarding the efficacy of online MBIs. This meta-analysis aims to determine whether MBIs are feasible and effective for improving university students' mental health.
Methods: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and the US National Library of Medicine (Clinical Trial Registry) published through August 31, 2022, were searched. Two reviewers selected the trials, conducted a critical appraisal, and extracted the data. Nine RCTs met our inclusion criteria.
Results: This analysis showed that online MBIs were effective in improving depression (standardised mean difference [SMD] = -0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.48 to -0.07; P = 0.008), anxiety (SMD = -0.47; 95% CI, -080 to -0.14; P = 0.006), stress (SMD = -0.58; 95% CI, -0.79 to -0.37; P < 0.00001), and mindfulness (SMD = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.17 to 1.25; p = 0.009) in university students. No significant effect was found on wellbeing (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI, -0.00 to 0.60; P = 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings indicated that online MBIs could effectively improve the mental health of university students. Nevertheless, additional rigorously designed RCTs are required. Systematic review
Registration: https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-9-0099/, identifier INPLASY202290099.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 30
- Mindfulness to improve the mental health of university students. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Public Health 2023
- Mind the app: more time spent on headspace leads to beneficial day-to-day changes in mindfulness, depression, anxiety and stress in college students Cogent Mental Health September 9, 2024
- Effects of online mindfulness-based interventions on mental and physical health outcomes in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine March 21, 2025
- Efficacy of a Mind Space Application intervention on psychological outcomes in Thai university students with depression: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Journal of Affective Disorders October 1, 2024
- Acceptability, engagement, and preliminary efficacy of a college human physiology course with integrated mindfulness practice to support student wellbeing Frontiers in Psychology August 14, 2024
and 25 more in the library
Cites 20
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- Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review British Medical Bulletin April 21, 2021
- A mindfulness-based mobile health (mHealth) intervention among psychologically distressed university students in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Counseling Psychology July 15, 2021
- Group, One-on-One, or Internet? Preferences for Mindfulness Meditation Delivery Format and their Predictors Open Medicine Journal November 28, 2014
- Towards a mechanistic understanding of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) using an RCT neuroimaging approach: Effects on regulating own stress in social and non-social situations. Neuroimage July 1, 2022
and 15 more in the library