Abstract In this systematic review, we examined empirical articles testing mobile applications that focused on enhancing emotional wellness. A total of 20 peer-reviewed intervention studies met inclusion criteria. Study populations primarily included university students and participants from the public. Targeted outcomes varied, with most interventions demonstrating improvements in stress, wellness, or depressive symptoms. Significant improvements in positive emotion, gratitude, happiness, hope, compassion, self-esteem, and optimism were reported across included studies. Observed wellness changes were moderated and mediated by application features and user characteristics.
Castle et al. (2026) studied this question.