The Interplay between Cyberchondria and Emotional Regulation: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Cyberchondria refers to the excessive and anxiety-inducing health information-seeking behavior online. This phenomenon is closely linked to emotional regulation, which involves managing and responding to emotional experiences. Individuals with poor emotional regulation may seek excessive health information to cope with distress, often exacerbating their anxiety. Objective: To assess the relationship between cyberchondria and emotional regulation by synthesizing evidence from existing studies and quantifying the overall effect size. Method: A systematic literature search was conducted in January 2025 across ProQuest One Psychology, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO using Boolean operators combining terms related to cyberchondria and emotion regulation. A total of 168 records were screened, and seven studies meeting inclusion criteria were retained following PRISMA guidelines. For meta-analysis, six studies (k = 6) were included using Fisher r-to-z transformed correlation coefficients under a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed via Q-test, τ2\tau^2τ2, and I² statistics. Publication bias and influential studies were also examined. Results: The estimated average correlation was μ^=0.0186\hat{\mu} = 0.0186μ^​=0.0186 (95% CI: -0.2734 to 0.3106, p = 0.9005), indicating no significant association between cyberchondria and emotion regulation. However, substantial heterogeneity was observed (Q(5) = 409.9592, p< 0.0001, τ2=0.1306\tau^2 = 0.1306τ2=0.1306, I² = 98.78%), with a prediction interval of -0.7476 to 0.7849. No outliers or influential studies were detected, and publication bias was not evident.  Conclusions: While no overall association was found, results suggest the relationship between cyberchondria and emotion regulation is context-dependent. Further research should explore individual differences and coping mechanisms to guide interventions.