Meditation-Based Online Psychological Intervention

Effects of Mindfulness-of-Death Meditation on Problematic Smartphone Use in Emerging Adulthood

As the primary users of smartphones, emerging adults represent a key population for such research. Using a randomised controlled trial, the investigators compared mindfulness-of-death meditation with traditional mindfulness meditation to evaluate the unique effects of the former on problematic smartphone use. The investigators also examined potential psychological pathways-namely increases in self-esteem and meaning in life, and reductions in perceived stress-through which the intervention may exert its benefits.

Inclusion Criteria:

Inclusion criteria were adults aged 18-29 years who:

• reported no current or past psychiatric diagnosis,
• exhibited problematic smartphone use,
• and had a mean daily screen-on time exceeding four hours.
• Exclusion criteria were as follows:
• aged <18 or ≥30 years;
• any current or past psychiatric diagnosis;
• self-reported absence of problematic smartphone use;
• mean daily smartphone use ≤4 hours;
• currently enrolled in any meditation-based intervention;
• use of psychoactive medication or concurrent psychological treatment;
• participation in another psychological intervention trial.