Podcast Listening and Mental Well-being: A Systematic Review of Therapeutic Potential and Limitations

Abstract

Background: Global mental health challenges require accessible and scalable support strategies. Simultaneously, digital media—especially podcasts—have surged in popularity, offering low-cost, on-demand platforms for information sharing and emotional connections. This intersection has spurred growing interest in using podcasts as tools for mental health promotion and support.

Purpose: This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize and critically evaluate existing evidence on the impact of podcast listening on mental well-being and to explore its therapeutic potential.

Methodology: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. Studies with various designs examining the associations between podcast listening and mental health outcomes in adults were included. Due to methodological heterogeneity, the findings were synthesized narratively.

Key Findings: Several key themes emerged. Podcasts serve as effective platforms for psychoeducation and improving mental health literacy. Specific formats—such as mindfulness and self-help podcasts—show potential for enhancing emotion regulation and mindfulness, although findings on clinical outcomes, such as anxiety and depression, remain mixed. Narrative podcast episodes featuring lived experiences effectively reduce stigma and empower listeners. Parasocial relationships with podcast hosts can enhance feelings of connection but may pose risks. Methodological limitations, including reliance on self-report data and a scarcity of experimental research, constrain the current evidence.

Implications: Podcasts offer promising and accessible tools to complement traditional mental health strategies, especially for education and stigma reduction. However, their integration into mental healthcare should be guided by rigorous future research to establish their effectiveness and ensure content reliability.