Table 2.
Characteristics of included digital mindfulness and compassion-based intervention studies
| Author (Year) | Country | Design | Sample Size (N) | Intervention Details | Control Group | Primary Outcome(s) | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun et al. (2021) [36] | China | RCT | 168 (IG:84, CG:84) | Self-guided Mindfulness: ’Spirits Healing’, 8-week smartphone app for mindfulness training. | Waitlist |
Depression: EPDS, PHQ-9 Anxiety: GAD-7 |
Effective for reducing perinatal depression and anxiety. |
| Yang et al. (2019) [37] | China | RCT | 123 (IG:62, CG:61) | Guided Mindfulness: 8-week WeChat program (videos/text/audio) guided by a multidisciplinary team. | Waitlist |
Depression: PHQ-9 Anxiety: SAS |
Effective in reducing symptoms of antenatal depression and anxiety. |
| Smith et al. (2021) [38] | USA | RCT | 101 (IG:50, CG:51) | Digital Mindfulness: ’Calm’ app for mindfulness meditation. | Waitlist |
Depression: EPDS Anxiety: GAD-7 |
Significant reduction in depression (Hedges’ g = -0.44) and anxiety (Hedges’ g = -0.44). |
| Zhang et al. (2021) [39] | China | RCT | 108 (IG:54, CG:54) | Digital Mindfulness: Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) delivered via social media. | Waitlist |
Depression: EPDS Anxiety: GAD-7 |
Significant reduction in depression (Hedges’ g = -0.61) and anxiety (Hedges’ g = -0.43). |
| Zhang et al. (2022) [40] | China | RCT | 130 (IG:66, CG:64) | Guided Mindfulness: Guided self-help Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI). | Waitlist |
Depression: EPDS Anxiety: GAD-7 |
Significant reduction in depression (Hedges’ g = -0.57) and anxiety (Hedges’ g = -0.89). |
| Güney et al. (2022) [41] | Turkey | RCT | 84 (IG:42, CG:42) | Digital Mindfulness: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. | Waitlist |
Anxiety: BAI, CAQ Depression: Not Assessed |
Significant reduction in anxiety (Hedges’ g = -1.58). |
| Kelman et al. (2018) [42] | USA | RCT | 40 (IG:22, CG:18) | Digital Mindfulness: Internet-based Compassionate Mind Training (CMT). | Waitlist |
Depression: PHQ-2 Anxiety: GAD-2 |
Significant reduction in depression (Hedges’ g = -0.83). Non-significant reduction in anxiety (Hedges’ g = -0.54). |
| Carissoli et al. (2017) [43] | Italy | RCT | 78 (IG:38, CG:40) | Digital Mindfulness: App (“Benevolent Mind”) with daily relaxation, guided imagery, mood journal. | Waitlist | Anxiety: W-DEQ | Non-significant reduction in anxiety (Hedges’ g = -0.05). |
| Matvienko-Sikar & Dockray (2017) [44] | Ireland | RCT | 36 (IG:24, CG:12) | Digital Mindfulness: Gratitude diary and mindfulness listening. | Waitlist | Depression: EPDS | Non-significant reduction in depression (Hedges’ g = 0.63). |
| Krusche et al. (2018) [45] | UK | RCT | 72 (IG:22, CG:50) | Digital Mindfulness: Website (“Be Mindful Online”) with guided meditation. | Waitlist |
Depression: PHQ-2 Anxiety: GAD-2 |
Non-significant effect, trend favoring control for depression (g = 0.80) and anxiety (g = 0.46). |
| Doty et al. (2021) [46] | USA | RCT | 41 (IG:20, CG:21) | Digital Mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation program. | Waitlist |
Depression: PHQ-2 Anxiety: GAD-2 |
Non-significant reduction in depression (Hedges’ g = -0.58) and anxiety (Hedges’ g = -0.37). |