Table of Contents
In this article, we will explore the use of mindfulness and self-compassion applications and online programs in addressing work-related digital overwhelm. We will discuss the programs and interventions available, the technologies and platforms used, the advantages and disadvantages of these interventions, the populations studied, the outcomes measured, and the gaps in the literature.
Programs and Interventions
The included articles in this scoping review utilized both original programs and existing apps and programs. Some of the commonly used apps and programs were Headspace, Calm, Insight Timer, Palouse Mindfulness, UCLA Mindful, Mindfulness Coach, and HeadGear, with Headspace being the most frequently used. The interventions were predominantly mindfulness-based (84.9%), followed by self-compassion-based (9.4%), and other types of meditations (5.7%).
In terms of modality, the interventions were categorized as website and online platforms (41.5%) and apps (41.5%), with some interventions also delivered via email (13.2%). The duration of the interventions varied from 1 hour to a year, with the most prevalent durations being 1 month (26.4%), 6 weeks (15.1%), and 8 weeks (13.2%). The length of the mindfulness practices included in the interventions ranged from 30 seconds to 30 minutes or more, with the majority of articles (64.7%) noting exercises of 1-10 minutes.
For a detailed description of the interventions and their features, please refer to Table 7 in Appendix D.
Populations Studied
The majority of the included studies (73.2%) predominantly used female samples. The most common population studied was healthcare workers (51.8%), followed by mixed occupations (14.3%), first responders and police officers (12.5%), and office workers (12.5%). Only three studies included students in their samples. The mean age of the participants, as provided by 25 of the included articles, was estimated to be approximately 40.6 years old.
Advantages and Disadvantages of dMBIs
The advantages and disadvantages of using mindfulness and self-compassion applications and online programs discussed in the included articles are summarized in Table 3. The most prevalent advantages mentioned were the low cost and cost-effectiveness of these interventions, as well as their practicality, accessibility, and feasibility. Some articles also suggested that personalization could be an advantage of these interventions. On the other hand, the most common disadvantage mentioned was difficulties with engagement, motivation, and long-term participation in the interventions.
Studied Outcomes
The outcomes measured in the included articles varied, but the most frequent category was work-related outcomes, such as burnout, job strain, secondary traumatic stress, and work engagement. Burnout was the most commonly measured outcome, followed by mindfulness and self-compassion. Other outcomes measured included stress, anxiety, depression, resilience, and well-being. Some articles also included physiological measures, such as blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, measures of the participants’ experience of the interventions and intervention adherence were also included in some studies.
For a comprehensive list of the measures used in the included articles, please refer to Table 4.
Gaps in the Literature
Based on the findings of this scoping review, there are several areas that warrant further investigation in the field of mindfulness and self-compassion applications and online programs. Firstly, there is a need for studies with more diverse populations of workers to ensure the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, existing interventions could be studied more comprehensively to identify the characteristics that contribute to their effectiveness and to gain a clearer understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of these interventions. Furthermore, there is a need for standardization of measures used in the literature to improve comparability between studies.
To address these gaps, the included articles suggested 19 research objectives related to the intervention and modality, the individual, and the organization and work. They also recommended methodological improvements, such as larger sample sizes, longer study durations, control groups, randomized controlled trials, mixed methods studies, and the use of a variety of measures.
In conclusion, the use of mindfulness and self-compassion applications and online programs shows promise in addressing work-related digital overwhelm. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of these interventions and to identify the most effective strategies for different populations and contexts.
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