Self-Directed Digital Interventions for the Improvement of Emotion Regulation – Effectiveness for Mental Health and Functioning in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Background Interventions targeting emotion regulation (ER) have been shown to improve mental health in adults, but evidence on related interventions for adolescents is still emerging. Increasingly, self-directed digital interventions (e.g. mobile apps) are being developed to target ER in this population, but questions remain about their effectiveness. This systematic review aimed to synthesise evidence on current self-directed digital interventions available to adolescents (aged 11–18 years) and their effectiveness in addressing ER, psychopathology, and functioning (e.g., academic achievement). Method Several electronic databases were searched (e.g. PsycINFO) to identify studies published from January 2010 to March 2024 examining self-directed digital interventions for adolescents, which include an ER component. A narrative synthesis was employed to summarise the effectiveness of the interventions. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment tool (EPHPP). Results Five studies met the eligibility criteria, with a total of four self-directed digital interventions that targeted ER. All interventions were brief (< 1 month) and included different components to target ER (e.g. Mindfulness, Mood monitoring). Most interventions were effective in improving ER and were highly acceptable for use by an adolescent population. Conclusions Though the evidence base was small, included studies demonstrate preliminary evidence of the effectiveness and acceptability of self-directed, digital interventions for ER in adolescents. Large-scale empirical research focused on comprehensive ER interventions for adolescents across the world is needed, especially those which investigate the intervention effects on psychopathology.