The effectiveness of mindfulness-based programs for mental health outcomes in young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) are promising evidence-based interventions to mitigate the mental health crisis amongst young adults in the UK. This meta-analysis investigates MBPs’ impact on mental health outcomes and facets of mindfulness to inform the design of precise, evidence-based interventions addressing young adults' needs. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted using PubMed and Web of Science. Random-effects meta-analytic models were used on the primary (anxiety, depression, stress, distress, positive affect, and negative affect) and secondary outcomes (mindfulness and its facets; observing, describing, acting with awareness, nonjudging and nonreactivity). Mixed meta-regression models and subgroup analyses were used to explore study, sample, and intervention characteristics. Results: Across 120 eligible studies (N=5958 participants and N=6004 controls), MBPs significantly improved positive and negative affect with low heterogeneity (|gs| < 0.18) and high heterogeneity in other outcomes. Subgroup analyses identified that MBSR and MBSR-based programs improved anxiety and depression (gs = -0.26), mindfulness apps improved depression and stress (gs < -0.48), and mindfulness meditation practices improved anxiety, distress, and mindfulness (gs < 0.65). Hybrid, online and self-guided delivery were effective for anxiety, depression and mindfulness (gs < 0.57). Meta-regressions identified that hybrid and self-guided delivery were more effective than face-to-face in improving anxiety, observing, and nonreactivity (bs > 0.74).Conclusions: MBPs are useful tools to enhance mental health and facets of mindfulness in young adults. The significant residual heterogeneity necessitates further examination of potential sources of heterogeneity, specifically around the features of face-to-face MBPs and combined mindfulness programs (CMPs).