JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are a promising approach to deliver accessible and scalable mindfulness training and have been shown to improve a range of health outcomes. However, maintaining user engagement remains a crucial challenge. Understanding factors that facilitate or act as a barrier to engagement in digital MBIs is essential to maximise engagement and opportunities for benefit.

Objective:

To synthesise existing qualitative evidence on user experience and identify key barriers and facilitators to engagement in digital MBIs.

Methods:

A scoping review of qualitative data on individuals’ experience of using digital MBIs designed to improve psychosocial variables. Relevant published studies were searched, and the quality of reporting tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis.

Results:

Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria. We identified three themes characterising barriers and facilitators to engagement: Making Mindfulness a Habit (i.e., creating a consistent training routine is essential yet challenging), Responses to Own Practice (i.e., negative reactions to one’s own practice are common and can deplete motivation), and Leaning on Others (i.e., those engaging depend on someone else for support).

Conclusions:

Researchers and developers of digital MBIs should design effective solutions to the challenges identified in this review. Such strategies must be grounded in relevant literature and meet the priorities and needs of the individuals who will use the intervention.