Efficacy of Digital Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Repetitive Negative Thinking: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Objectives

With the development of new digital technologies, the dissemination of digital mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) has spread notably in recent years. However, questions remain about their empirical validity and their effectiveness and limitations in addressing clinically relevant mechanisms. We sought to examine the efficacy of self-administered digital MBIs for the treatment of repetitive negative thinking (RNT).

Method

Studies were identified from electronic databases of Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, PubMed, and ProQuest. Three reviewers independently scanned articles for inclusion and data extraction. Additional mindfulness and RNT research indicators were obtained through descriptive data visualization techniques using bibliometric analysis.

Results

Eleven RCTs and two pilot RCTs were included with a total of 4509 participants. At post-treatment, ten studies reported statistically significant improvements in the condition of the MBIs in measures of RNT compared to control with effect sizes ranging from small to large (d = 0.18;0.77), and three studies found no evidence of significant effects associated with digital MBIs. However, the poor quality of some of the findings given the risk of bias assessment means that these results should be interpreted with discretion.

Conclusions

Digital MBIs could be considered a promising alternative to decrease RNT and increase mindfulness skills compared to other active and passive control conditions. However, more studies with higher methodological quality, better-balanced samples, longer follow-ups, and a more rigorous evaluation of their possible adverse effects are required.

Preregistration

This study was retrospectively registered on PROSPERO (Ref No: CRD42023389700).