Virtual mindfulness interventions to promote well-being in adults: A mixed-methods systematic review.
Joy Xu, Helen Jo, Leena Noorbhai, Ami Patel, Amy Li
Journal of Affective Disorders January 4, 2022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.01.027 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Adults aged 19 to 40 years in developed countries |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Learning 2 BREATHE (L2B) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Digital mindfulness. Mental health. Stress reduction. Research review. |
| Citations | 30 |
| Key findings | Virtual mindfulness-based interventions, including MBSR, MBCT, and L2B, generally improved well-being. |
Abstract
BackgroundWith the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many have experienced drastic changes in their academic and social lives with ensuing consequences towards their physical and mental well-being. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify virtual mindfulness-based interventions for the well-being of adults aged 19 to 40 years in developed countries and examine the efficacy of these techniques/exercises.MethodsThis mixed-methods systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines with a registered PROSPERO protocol. With a convergent integrated synthesis approach, IEEE Xplore, PsychInfo, Web of Science and OVID were searched with a predetermined criteria and search strategy employing booleans and filters for peer-reviewed and gray literature. Data screening and extraction were independently performed by two authors, with a third author settling disagreements after reconciliation. Study quality of selected articles was assessed with two independent authors using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Studies were analyzed qualitatively (precluding meta and statistical analysis) due to the heterogeneous study results from diverse study designs in present literature.ResultsCommon mindfulness-based interventions used in the appraised studies included practicing basic mindfulness, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy programs (MBCT) and the Learning 2 BREATHE (L2B) program.ConclusionStudies implementing mindfulness interventions demonstrated an overall improvement in well-being. Modified versions of these interventions can be implemented in a virtual context, so adults can improve their well-being through an accessible format.
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 7
- Acceptability, usage, and efficacy of mindfulness apps for college student mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Journal of Affective Disorders December 15, 2024
- The mental health of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: Beneficial effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction. Heliyon June 30, 2024
- Implementación de dos programas virtuales de mindfulness en docentes universitarios y su asociación con resultados en la ansiedad, la depresión y el burnout Avances en Psicología Latinoamericana September 29, 2026
- Buddhist Ethics for Improving Health and Well-Being during Pandemics Like COVID-19 with Special References to Modern Scientific Experiments Religions April 26, 2024
- Deep rest: An integrative model of how contemplative practices combat stress and enhance the body's restorative capacity. Psychological Review December 25, 2023
and 2 more in the library
Cites 11
- A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation versus relaxation training: Effects on distress, positive states of mind, rumination, and distraction Annals of Behavioral Medicine February 1, 2007
- Cultivating mindfulness: effects on well‐being Journal of Clinical Psychology May 16, 2008
- Meditation Lowers Stress and Supports Forgiveness Among College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial Journal of American College Health March 1, 2008
- Brief mindfulness meditation training reduces mind wandering: The critical role of acceptance. Emotion November 7, 2016
- Mindfulness Enhances Episodic Memory Performance: Evidence from a Multimethod Investigation PLoS One April 26, 2016
and 6 more in the library