Comparison of face-to-face and synchronous online mindfulness-based interventions: a quasi-experimental study

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are a widely validated approach for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies, leading to increased physical and psychological health. Online MBIs have become more common in the past years, namely after the COVID-19 pandemic, but not much is known about their effectiveness. This study's goal was to compare the efficacy of a face-to-face MBI with its online equivalent.

A total of 114 university students of multiple nationalities participated in the investigation. This is a quasi-experimental study, with pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up comparative measurements in two types of group formats: in-person groups and synchronous online groups.

The results showed benefits for participants in both the face-to-face and online interventions. Anxiety was significantly reduced at post-test, while stress, depression, and emotion regulation difficulties were significantly reduced at post-test and at follow-up. Furthermore, well-being and optimism were significantly increased at post-test and at follow-up. Between-group comparisons indicated higher efficacy for these variables in the online group.

The fact that differential outcomes were observable for mindfulness and one of the expected mechanisms, in goal-directed thinking, while no significant differences were present for any outcome, shines a light on possible hidden mechanisms that differentiate how online interventions function when compared to their face-to-face counterparts. Despite these differences, the findings support the viability of online mindfulness interventions as an alternative to in-person formats. The present study adds to current knowledge about mindfulness interventions by supporting the feasibility of online mindfulness interventions.