Well-Being Training for Educator Stress
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the four-week Healthy Minds Program (HMP) app Foundations training in employees of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) in Louisville, KY. The study will enroll 1300 JCPS employees. After completing the baseline assessment, participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention (i.e., the Healthy Minds Program App) or to a "Choice" control condition. HMP assigned participants will receive instructions and support in downloading and activating the app. Choice assigned participants will receive a list of resources that are focused on the science of well-being and happiness consisting of TED talk videos and books. 10 copies of each suggested book will be available for participants to check out. TED talk video links will be provided and are free to watch. Each week during the 4-week intervention period, participants in both conditions will complete the same weekly set of measures. Within two-weeks following the end of the intervention period, all participants will complete the post-test assessment. Approximately five to six months following post-test, participants will complete the follow-up assessment. In addition to study team collected data, the research team will receive from the district multiple years of student records (e.g., standardized assessments, attendance, disciplinary referrals) linked to teachers (teachers only, not other categories of employees who choose to participate). The researchers predict that participants assigned to the intervention will demonstrate significantly reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms and significantly improved well-being after the intervention, and these improvements will persist at the follow-up (primary outcomes). It is hypothesized that baseline participant characteristics and early experience of the intervention will predict treatment adherence, study drop-out and outcomes, and that treatment engagement will moderate outcomes. In addition, the investigators predict that intervention period improvements on well-being skills assessed weekly will mediate long-term improvements on primary outcomes.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems unlikely that you would need to stop, as the study focuses on a well-being app and not on medication.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Healthy Minds Program Foundations Training for reducing educator stress?
Research shows that mindfulness-based programs, similar to the Healthy Minds Program, have been effective in reducing stress and improving well-being among healthcare professionals. These programs have been linked to reduced burnout, improved mental health, and enhanced job satisfaction, suggesting potential benefits for educators as well.12345
Is the Well-Being Training for Educator Stress safe for humans?
How does the Healthy Minds Program Foundations Training differ from other treatments for educator stress?
The Healthy Minds Program Foundations Training is unique because it is a smartphone-based meditation app designed to improve well-being and reduce psychological distress among educators. Unlike other treatments, it offers a scalable and accessible approach that can be used virtually, making it particularly suitable for supporting teachers during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.78111213
Research Team
Matthew J Hirshberg
Principal Investigator
UW-Madison
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for employees of Jefferson County Public Schools who are at least 18 years old, have a smartphone or device to download apps, and some experience with meditation or yoga. It's not for anyone under 18.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants complete baseline assessments before randomization
Intervention
Participants engage with the Healthy Minds Program app or Choice resources for 4 weeks
Post-Test Assessment
Participants complete post-test assessments within two weeks following the intervention
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for long-term effects and complete follow-up assessments
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Healthy Minds Program Foundations Training
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Lead Sponsor
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Collaborator