Characteristics of Mobile Health Interventions for Repetitive Negative Thinking: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Digital mental health
• Psychology
• Public health

Background:

• Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is a transdiagnostic symptom and risk factor for many mental disorders.
• Psychotherapy effectively reduces RNT but faces accessibility barriers, including long waiting times and lack of access for at-risk individuals.
• Mobile health (mHealth) interventions offer a potential solution to overcome these barriers and support individuals at risk for mental disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify existing mobile health (mHealth) interventions designed to reduce repetitive negative thinking (RNT).
• To provide an overview of the characteristics of these mHealth interventions, focusing on content, context, and technical features.
• To determine the outcomes and questionnaires utilized for measuring RNT reduction in mHealth interventions.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported using PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Inclusion of English-language, peer-reviewed literature on mHealth interventions for RNT published from 2003 onwards.
• Comprehensive database searches (PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) followed by a two-stage blinded screening process by two independent reviewers.

Main Results:

• Data collection is complete, with 21 articles meeting the inclusion criteria.
• Data charting is currently underway, with synthesis to follow.
• The final review is anticipated for submission by April 2026.

Conclusions:

• The scoping review will enhance understanding of the conceptual landscape and commonalities among current mHealth interventions for RNT.
• Findings will inform the development of new transdiagnostic mHealth interventions.
• The review will identify starting points for future systematic reviews in this domain.