A systematic review on mindfulness-based immersive interventions in depressive disorders
Peng Tan1, Yuqi Wu2, Xinrong Chen2
1Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Npj Mental Health Research
|April 2, 2026
Summary
Mindfulness-based immersive interventions (MBIIs) show promise for treating depression by improving symptoms and psychological processes. Further research is needed to standardize configurations and validate long-term effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Digital Health
Background:
- Depressive disorders involve persistent negative affect and rumination, posing a significant global health burden.
- Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are effective but face adherence issues.
- Immersive technologies offer potential solutions through multi-sensory engagement and feedback.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the therapeutic potential of mindfulness-based immersive interventions (MBIIs) for depressive disorders.
- To assess the impact of MBIIs on depressive symptoms, psychological processes, feasibility, acceptance, and physiological outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
- Screened 670 records, identifying 37 eligible studies.
- Analyzed studies reporting on symptom improvement, psychological changes, feasibility, acceptance, and physiological measures.
Main Results:
- 69% of studies showed greater improvement in depressive and anxiety symptoms with MBIIs compared to conventional therapies.
- 78% of trials reported enhanced psychological processes.
- 67% found MBIIs more feasible and acceptable than non-immersive approaches, with 89% showing physiological improvements.
Conclusions:
- MBIIs demonstrate therapeutic potential for depressive disorders, improving symptoms, psychological factors, and physiological markers.
- Significant gaps exist, including variability in configurations, lack of active controls, and limited long-term validation.
- Future research should focus on mechanistic studies, standardization, and cost-effectiveness evaluation.
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