A randomized controlled trial investigated whether internet-based mindfulness interventions could help university students in China dealing with moderate to severe emotional distress. The study involved 335 students who were assigned to either a waitlist control group or one of two digital programs. One program offered self-help mindfulness training, while the other combined mindfulness with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
Both digital programs were significantly more effective than the waitlist control group at reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, the study found no significant difference in effectiveness between the self-help mindfulness program and the combined mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy program.
Researchers also looked at how these programs worked. Increases in mindfulness and psychological flexibility explained the benefits of the self-help program. For the combined program, increases in mindfulness and reductions in irrational beliefs were the key mechanisms driving the improvements.
The study tracked participants during treatment and at three-month and six-month follow-ups. No adverse events or safety concerns were reported. While these results are promising, the study was limited to a specific group of students and the long-term effects beyond six months remain to be seen.