Abstract
With the increasing popularity of both mindfulness-based interventions and smartphone apps focusing on (mental) health, the question arises if mindfulness apps are a useful way of teaching mindfulness. We explore this question by reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of administering mindfulness via apps and by challenging the view that mindfulness can only be taught in face-to-face formats. Additionally, we review randomized-controlled studies which provide evidence that mindfulness apps can bring about positive effects on a range of outcomes. Because of the sparse literature on mindfulness apps—especially regarding health behaviors—we conclude by delineating some future directions for exploring the use and efficacy of mindfulness apps.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Allen NB, Chambers R, Knight W, Blashki G, Ciechomski L, Hassed C, et al. Mindfulness-based psychotherapies: a review of conceptual foundations, empirical evidence and practical considerations. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2006;40(4):285–94.
Amirkhan JH. Stress overload: a new approach to the assessment of stress. Am J Community Psychol. 2012;49(1–2):55–71.
Amirkhan JH, Urizar GG, Clark S. Criterion validation of a stress measure: the stress overload scale. Psychol Assess. 2015;27(3):985–96.
Bennike IH, Wieghorst A, Kirk U. Online-based mindfulness training reduces behavioral markers of mind wandering. J Cogn Enhanc. 2017;1(2):172–81.
Cavanagh K, Strauss C, Forder L, Jones F. Can mindfulness and acceptance be learnt by self-help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of mindfulness and acceptance-based self-help interventions. Clin Psychol Rev. 2014;34:118–29.
Carmody J, Baer RA. Relationships between mindfulness practice and levels of mindfulness, medical and psychological symptoms and well-being in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. J Behav Med. 2008;31(1):23–33.
Carmody J, Baer RA. How long does a mindfulness-based stress reduction program need to be? A review of class contact hours and effect sizes for psychological distress. J Clin Psychol. 2009;65(6):627–38.
Economides M, Martman J, Bell MJ, Sanderson B. Improvements in stress, affect, and irritability following brief use of a mindfulness-based smartphone app: a randomized controlled trial. Mindfulness. 2018;9(5):1584–93.
Howells A, Ivtzan I, Eiroa-Orosa FJ. Putting the ‘app’ in happiness: a randomised controlled trial of a smartphone-based mindfulness intervention to enhance wellbeing. J Happiness Stud. 2014;17(1):163–85.
Hudlicka E. Virtual training and coaching of health behavior: example from mindfulness meditation training. Patient Educ Couns. 2013;92(2):160–6.
Kabat-Zinn J. Full catastrophe living; using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain and illness. London: Piatkus; 1996.
Kabat-Zinn J. Full catastrophe living; how to cope with stress, pain and illness using mindfulness meditation. London: Little, Brown Book Group; 2013.
Ly KH, Trüschel A, Jarl L, Magnusson S, Windahl T, Johansson R, et al. Behavioural activation versus mindfulness-based guided self-help treatment administered through a smartphone application: a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2014;4(1):e003440.
Mani M, Kavanagh DJ, Hides L, Stoyanov SR. Review and evaluation of mindfulness-based iphone apps. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2015;3(3):e82.
Plaza I, Demarzo MM, Herrera-Mercadal P, García-Campayo J. Mindfulness-based mobile applications: literature review and analysis of current features. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2013;1(2):e24.
Segal ZV, Williams JMG, Teasdale JD. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: a new approach to preventing relapse. New York: Guilford Publications; 2002.
Segal Z, Williams M, Teasdale J. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression. New York: The Guilford Press; 2013.
Shamekhi A, Bickmore T. Breathe with me: a virtual meditation coach, vol. 9238, p. 279–82. Presented at the International Conference on Intelligent Virtual Agents, Springer International Publishing; 2015.
Spijkerman MPJ, Pots WTM, Bohlmeijer ET. Effectiveness of online mindfulness-based interventions in improving mental health: a review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Clin Psychol Rev. 2016;45:102–14.
Thomée S, Härenstam A, Hagberg M. Mobile phone use and stress, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of depression among young adults-a prospective cohort study. BMC Public Health. 2011;11(1):66.
Van Dam NT, Van Vugt MK, Vago DR, Vago DR, Schmalzl L, Saron CD, et al. Mind the hype: a critical evaluation and prescriptive agenda for research on mindfulness and meditation. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2017;9:174569161770958.
Van Emmerik AAP, Berings F, Lancee J. Efficacy of a mindfulness-based mobile application: a randomized waiting-list controlled trial. Mindfulness. 2018;9:187–98.
Wahbeh H, Svalina MN, Oken BS. Group, one-on-one, or internet? Preferences for mindfulness meditation delivery format and their predictors. Open Med J. 2014;1:66–74.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
van Emmerik, A.A.P., Keijzer, R., Schoenmakers, T.M. (2020). Integrating Mindfulness into a Routine Schedule: The Role of Mobile-Health Mindfulness Applications. In: Uribarri, J., Vassalotti, J. (eds) Nutrition, Fitness, and Mindfulness. Nutrition and Health. Humana, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-30892-6_15
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-30892-6_15
Published:
Publisher Name: Humana, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-30891-9
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-30892-6
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)