Stay Present with Your Phone: A Systematic Review and Standardized Rating of Mindfulness Apps in European App Stores

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Stay Present with Your Phone: A Systematic Review and Standardized Rating of Mindfulness Apps in European App Stores Dana Schultchen1   · Yannik Terhorst2,3   · Tanja Holderied1 · Michael Stach4   · Eva‑Maria Messner3   · Harald Baumeister3   · Lasse B. Sander5  Accepted: 6 November 2020 © The Author(s) 2020

Abstract Background  Mindfulness-based interventions show positive effects on physical and mental health. For a better integration of mindfulness techniques in daily life, the use of apps may be promising. However, only a few studies have examined the quality of mindfulness apps using a validated standardized instrument. This review aims to evaluate the content, quality, and privacy features of mindfulness-focused apps from European commercial app stores. Methods  An automated search engine (webcrawler) was used to identify mindfulness-focused apps in the European Apple App- and Google Play store. Content, quality, and privacy features were evaluated by two independent reviewers using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). The MARS assesses the subscales engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality. Results  Out of 605 identified apps, 192 met the inclusion criteria. The overall quality was moderate (M = 3.66, SD = 0.48). Seven apps were tested in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Most of the apps showed a lack of data security and no privacy policy. The five apps with the highest ratings are from a credible source, include a privacy policy, and are also based on standardized mindfulness and behavior change techniques. Conclusions  The plethora of often low-quality apps in commercial app stores makes it difficult for users to identify a suitable app. Above that, the lack of scientific verification of effectiveness and shortcomings in privacy protection and security poses potential risks. So far, the potential of mindfulness-focused apps is not exploited in commercial app stores. Keywords  Mindfulness · Apps · MARS · Mobile health · mHealth · Systematic review

Introduction

* Dana Schultchen dana.schultchen@uni‑ulm.de 1



Clinical and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Albert‑Einstein‑Allee 41, Ulm, Germany

2



Research Methods, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Albert‑Einstein‑Allee 47, Ulm, Germany

3

Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Albert‑Einstein‑Allee 47, Ulm, Germany

4

Institute of Databases and Information Systems, Ulm University, James‑Franck‑Ring, 89081 Ulm, Germany

5

Institute of Psychology, Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Engelbersger Str. 41, 79085 Freiburg, Germany





Mindfulness is described as an approach to be aware and attentive of the present moment in an open and accepting way without any judgment or criticism [1–3]. In recent years, research interest in mindfulness techniques is growing [4–6]. Previous studies investigating the efficacy of min