Jake Linardon, Joseph Firth, John Torous, Mariel Messer, Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The management of stress has evolved in recent years due to widespread availability of mobile-device applications (apps) and their capacity to deliver psychological interventions. We evaluated the efficacy of mental health apps on stress and sought to identify characteristics associated with effect size estimates. Sixty-nine randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Random effects meta-analyses were performed and putative moderators were examined at univariate and multivariate (combinations and interactions) levels. From 78 comparisons, we observed a small but significant pooled effect of apps over control conditions on perceived stress levels (g = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.20, 0.34; I2 = 68%). This effect weakened after taking into account small-study bias according to the trim-and-fill procedure (g = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.19; I2 = 78%). Delivery of apps with stress monitoring features produced smaller efficacy estimates, although this association interacted with other trial features (small sample size and inactive control group) in multivariate analyses, suggesting that this effect may have been explained by features characteristic of low-quality trials. Mental health apps appear to have small, acute effects on reducing perceived stress. Future research should shift focus towards identifying change mechanisms, longitudinal outcomes, features that facilitate sustained app usage, and tangible pathways to integrating apps into real-world clinical settings.
期刊介绍:
The publication of Health Psychology Review (HPR) marks a significant milestone in the field of health psychology, as it is the first review journal dedicated to this important and rapidly growing discipline. Edited by a highly respected team, HPR provides a critical platform for the review, development of theories, and conceptual advancements in health psychology. This prestigious international forum not only contributes to the progress of health psychology but also fosters its connection with the broader field of psychology and other related academic and professional domains. With its vital insights, HPR is a must-read for those involved in the study, teaching, and practice of health psychology, behavioral medicine, and related areas.