The role of self-efficacy in internet-based interventions for mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Behr, Solveig ; Martínez García, Laura (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Boettcher, Johanna ; Lucas, Julia ; Schaeuffele, Carmen ; Kohlhase, Esther ; Knaevelsrud, Christine
Resumen: Introduction
Internet-based interventions (IBI) increase access to evidence-based treatments for mental disorders, but knowledge of their mechanisms of change is limited. Self-efficacy, a key factor in psychotherapy, is especially relevant in IBI due to its self-help focus. We investigated self-efficacy and related constructs as outcomes, predictors/moderators, and mediators in randomized controlled trials.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted across PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Two reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed bias. Effects were quantified using random effect models and supplemented by narrative syntheses and box score visualizations.
Results
70 studies (N = 17,407 participants) were included. IBI showed moderate effects on self-efficacy in within (d = 0.47) and between (d = 0.46) comparisons, with guided interventions having the largest effect (d = 0.66). Findings on self-efficacy as a predictor/moderator were mixed, though some studies suggested individuals with lower self-efficacy benefit more. Self-efficacy emerged as a mediator through which IBI affected treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
Self-efficacy appears influential in IBI efficacy and may itself be a valuable treatment target. However, mixed results and methodological limitations in mediator studies highlight the need for further research, particularly on long-term effects.
Idioma: Inglés
Año: 2025
Publicado en: Internet interventions 40 (2025), 100821 [18 pp.]
ISSN: 2214-7829
Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)
Área (Departamento): Área Person.Eval.Trat.Psicoló. (Dpto. Psicología y Sociología)
You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. You may not use the material for commercial purposes. If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material.
Exportado de SIDERAL (2025-10-17-14:32:11)
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Internet-based interventions (IBI) increase access to evidence-based treatments for mental disorders, but knowledge of their mechanisms of change is limited. Self-efficacy, a key factor in psychotherapy, is especially relevant in IBI due to its self-help focus. We investigated self-efficacy and related constructs as outcomes, predictors/moderators, and mediators in randomized controlled trials.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted across PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Two reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed bias. Effects were quantified using random effect models and supplemented by narrative syntheses and box score visualizations.
Results
70 studies (N = 17,407 participants) were included. IBI showed moderate effects on self-efficacy in within (d = 0.47) and between (d = 0.46) comparisons, with guided interventions having the largest effect (d = 0.66). Findings on self-efficacy as a predictor/moderator were mixed, though some studies suggested individuals with lower self-efficacy benefit more. Self-efficacy emerged as a mediator through which IBI affected treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
Self-efficacy appears influential in IBI efficacy and may itself be a valuable treatment target. However, mixed results and methodological limitations in mediator studies highlight the need for further research, particularly on long-term effects.
Idioma: Inglés
Año: 2025
Publicado en: Internet interventions 40 (2025), 100821 [18 pp.]
ISSN: 2214-7829
Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)
Área (Departamento): Área Person.Eval.Trat.Psicoló. (Dpto. Psicología y Sociología)
You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. You may not use the material for commercial purposes. If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material. Exportado de SIDERAL (2025-10-17-14:32:11)
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Record created 2025-05-16, last modified 2025-10-17