The impact of podcast-based interventions on mental health: A systematic scoping review

Title
The impact of podcast-based interventions on mental health: A systematic scoping review
Publication Date
2025-03-19
Author(s)
Carrotte, Elise R
Teles, Ariel Soares
Hobern, Beth
Wu, Alsa
Groot, Christopher
Hopgood, Fincina
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1505-9956
Email: fhopgood@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:fhopgood
Blanchard, Michelle
Phillips, Lisa
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Place of publication
United States of America
DOI
10.1371/journal.pmen.0000272
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/70363
Abstract

Podcasts are increasingly being used for mental health-related messaging. The objective of this scoping review is to understand how podcasts are being used as a platform for mental health-related interventions (‘podcast-based interventions’). Six databases were searched: CENTRAL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Communication and Mass Media Complete, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. Journal articles, conference proceedings, and dissertations were eligible for inclusion. Eligible studies included an audio-only podcast-based condition with at least one quantitative mental health-related outcome, including symptoms, treatment or management of mental health issues, mental health literacy or knowledge, and mental illness stigma, prejudice or discrimination, and involved experimental and quasi-experimental designs. Databases were searched for English-language results up to August 4, 2024. Across all searches, there were 2958 records identified, with 2468 screened after removal of duplicates; 20 unique studies met inclusion criteria. Most common podcast intervention types were meditation or mindfulness exercises, comprising eight (40%) of the studies, and psychoeducational or therapeutic content, also comprising eight (40%) studies. Most podcasts were streamed or downloaded online, and interventions ranged 1-28 episodes. Studies typically involved university or general community convenience samples, and median attrition was 42% (IQR = 10-50%). Researchers most studied the impact of podcast-listening on anxiety, reported in 35% of studies, followed by depressive symptoms (30%), stress or psychological distress (25%), body image-related variables (20%), and stigma (20%). There is some evidence supporting the efficacy of podcast-based interventions on various mental health-related outcomes, including improvements in mindfulness, body image, and stigmatising attitudes. Results highlighted the breadth of experimental and quasi-experimental studies involving podcast-based interventions with mental health-related outcomes. These podcasts show promising mental health-related outcomes worthy of further study and refinement. Study generalisability was limited predominantly by self-report data, convenience samples, and high attrition rates.

Link
Citation
PLOS Mental Health, 2(3), p. 1-18
ISSN
2837-8156
Start page
1
End page
18
Rights
Attribution 4.0 International

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