The Effects Of Mindfulness Interventions On Self-efficacy: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE: We reviewed published RCTs that evaluated the self-efficacy of mindfulness training in a controlled condition (with Mindfulness or not) among individuals without prior mindfulness experience. METHODS: Four online searches were conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library database from inception to October 5, 2021. The original investigation was undertaken using two terms: mindfulness and self-efficacy. The screening for relevant studies was conducted adhering to the PICOS principles. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis was used to process data of meta-analysis. The standardised mean differences were computed and weighted by inverse variance. The statistical heterogeneity was evaluated with a p-value calculated for Q statistics. Moreover, a leave-one-out analysis used to perform the sensitivity analysis. To examine the influence of retention/removal of outliers and their power on the overall effect size. The potential publication bias was assessed by the balance of the funnel plot for self-efficacy. A statistical significance of p < 0.05 was used for all tests. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies. SUMMARY OF RESULTS 16 RCTs (1404 participants; age range: 18-75 years) were included in the meta-analysis.Results showed the effect size for mindfulness on overall self-efficacy. Additionally, a positive moderate-to-large (Hedges’s g = 0.950) training effect on overall self-efficacy (95% CI [0.588 to 1.312], p < 0.01) and high heterogeneity (Q = 62.200, I2 = 63%, p < 0.01)were evident. The funnel plot revealed that publication bias might exist. Therefore, a “Trim & Fill” method was used to correct publication bias(i.e., g publication-bias-adjusted = 0.968, CI [0.599 to 1.336]); No studies were needed to balance the funnel plot. The results indicated that there was no publication bias in our included studies. After accessing the risk of bias in these studies, it was apparent that ten studies had low risk of bias and six studies had high risk of bias. Overall, risk of selection bias was low; The risk of performance bias and attrition bias was mainly high. CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness intervention can be used as a means to improve self-efficacy. Supported by Shenzhen University Grant[QNJS0274,RC00228]