The effects of short video app-guided mindfulness meditation on rumination, self-compassion, psychological flexibility, and depression among individuals experiencing entrepreneurial failure.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a short video app-guided mindfulness meditation intervention in improving psychological flexibility and self-compassion and reducing rumination and depressive symptoms among failed entrepreneurs. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 recently failed entrepreneurs (aged 25-55), who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 50) or a waitlist control group (n = 50). Over five weeks, the intervention group completed daily 3-minute guided mindfulness meditation sessions via a secure mobile app. Psychological outcomes-including rumination, self-compassion, psychological flexibility, and depression-were assessed at pre- and post-intervention using validated instruments(Self-Compassion Scale - Short Form, SCS-SF), psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, AAQ-II). Data were analyzed using a two-step approach: a 2 (Group: Intervention vs. Control) × 2 (Time: Pre vs. Post) mixed-design MANOVA was first conducted to assess overall multivariate effects, followed by repeated measures ANOVAs for each outcome variable. Results: Significant group × time interaction effects were observed across all outcome variables. Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed significant reductions in rumination (F (1, 98) = 14.485, p <.001, η² = .073) and depression (F(1, 98) = 9.241, p = .003, η² = .045), as well as significant improvements in self-compassion (F(1, 98) = 11.764, p <.001, η² = .057) and psychological flexibility (F(1, 98) = 13.464, p <.001, η² = .064). Conclusions: This study provides robust empirical support for the efficacy of mobile-guided mindfulness interventions in promoting mental health recovery among failed entrepreneurs. The findings highlight the potential of short video-based mindfulness practices as scalable, low-barrier tools to reduce cognitive vulnerability and emotional distress following entrepreneurial failure. Clinical trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), identifier ChiCTR2500106524.