A Systematic Review of the Evidence Supporting Mobile- and Internet-Based Psychological Interventions For Self-Harm

Internet- and mobile phone-based psychological interventions have the potential to overcome many of the barriers associated with accessing traditional face-to-face therapy. Self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (STB) are prevalent global health problems that may benefit from Internet- and mobile-based interventions. We provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating mobile- and Internet-based interventions for STB, including nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI).

Online databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, Medline) were searched up to March 2019 for single-arm and controlled trials of Internet- or mobile-based interventions for STB. The potential for bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Twenty-two eligible trials were identified. The research was limited by a lack of controlled designs and small samples. Evidence supports the acceptability of interventions. There is preliminary evidence that these interventions are associated with a decline in STB. A meta-analysis suggested a positive treatment effect on suicidal ideation when compared to treatment as usual, but not when trials with active controls were also considered.

Overall, Internet- and mobile-based interventions show promise and further controlled trials are warranted, focusing on behavioral outcomes (NSSI, suicidal behavior). This review was preregistered with PROSPERO (CRD42017074065).