Storytelling and Mindfulness for Student Burnout

Overseen By Richard Davidson, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Mindfulness experience, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

20 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how mindfulness practices and storytelling can improve the well-being of STEM graduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Researchers will determine if these activities reduce burnout and stress among students who often face intense workloads. Participants will either join workshops or fill out surveys, allowing a comparison between those who engage in mindfulness and storytelling and those who do not. The trial seeks current STEM graduate students at the university who have not tried mindfulness before.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for students to enhance their well-being through innovative practices.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for student wellbeing?

Research has shown that mindfulness practices are generally safe and well-tolerated by participants. A review of over 200 studies found that mindfulness-based therapy effectively reduces stress, with few reported risks. Mindfulness can help lower anxiety, depression, and stress while boosting self-kindness.

Specific research on the storytelling workshop is limited. However, since both mindfulness and storytelling often aim to improve well-being, they are considered to have a low risk of harm.

Both mindfulness practices and storytelling workshops are non-invasive, meaning they don't involve surgery or medication, which usually results in a lower chance of side effects. Overall, evidence suggests that these activities are safe for most people. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using storytelling and mindfulness to tackle student burnout because these methods offer a fresh, holistic approach compared to traditional treatments like counseling or medication. Mindfulness practice helps students become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, promoting relaxation and focus. Meanwhile, storytelling workshops provide a creative outlet, allowing students to express themselves and build community. Together, these methods aim to reduce stress and enhance well-being in a way that’s engaging and empowering for students.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for student burnout?

Research has shown that mindfulness practices can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving focus and sleep quality. One study found that Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) enhanced mindfulness, self-kindness, and physical health. Other studies have demonstrated that mindfulness can reduce burnout and boost mental well-being. In this trial, participants in the intervention group will engage in mindfulness practices combined with storytelling workshops. This combination has been shown to lower stress and increase social support. Together, these activities might help STEM graduate students experiencing burnout feel better overall. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jo Handelsman, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for STEM graduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who are 18 or older and have little to no experience with mindfulness practices. It aims to help those feeling burnt out, depressed, or anxious.

Inclusion Criteria

Current graduate student in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

No significant experience with mindfulness practice

Exclusion Criteria

Significant experience with mindfulness practice

Not a current graduate student in a STEM field at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants attend 2 storytelling workshops and use a guided mindfulness mobile app for 2 weeks

2 weeks

2 workshops (in-person), app usage (self-guided)

Control

Participants in the control group complete surveys without intervention

4 weeks

Survey completion (self-reported)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in wellbeing and academic success

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Mindfulness Practice
• Storytelling Workshop

Trial Overview The study tests whether storytelling workshops and mindfulness practice can improve wellbeing among grad students. Participants will be observed over a period of up to two years within the four-year duration of the trial.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention group Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Mindfulness and storytelling workshop intervention plus survey

Group II: Control group Active Control 1 Intervention

Survey only, no mindfulness/storytelling intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,249

Recruited

3,255,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A pilot Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program was explored at a university, revealing that students face high levels of stress due to workload and a culture of perfectionism.

Participants reported that MBSR helped them gain perspective on their stressors and provided effective techniques for managing stress, suggesting that such programs could enhance student well-being and create a more supportive learning environment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

There Is No Performance, There Is Just This Moment: The Role of Mindfulness Instruction in Promoting Health and Well-Being Among Students at a Highly-Ranked University in the United States. Kerrigan, D., Chau, V., King, M., et al.[2019]

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been shown to improve mental health and reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression across 31 randomized studies involving both clinical and non-clinical populations.

The implementation of MBSR in the healthcare system is recommended to be gradual, ensuring that MBSR teachers in Denmark receive adequate training and education.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Effect of mindfulness on symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression]. Fjorback, LO., Rasmussen, BH., Preuss, T.[2019]

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training significantly improves psychological well-being and self-compassion among medical students, while also reducing stress and psychological distress, based on a review of nine studies.

Despite the positive effects on well-being, the impact of MBSR on empathy was inconsistent, and there was no evidence of a reduction in burnout, highlighting the need for further research in these areas.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for medical students: a narrative review. Polle, E., Gair, J.[2022]

A brief mindfulness-based intervention (bMBI) consisting of four sessions over six hours effectively reduced self-reported stress, burnout, and depression among teachers, highlighting its potential as a practical solution for teacher well-being.

The study suggests that shorter, less intensive mindfulness interventions can be just as effective, if not more so, than longer programs, paving the way for more cost-effective and accessible mental health strategies in educational settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Brief Mindfulness-Based Intervention (bMBI) to Reduce Teacher Stress and Burnout. Taylor, SG., Roberts, AM., Zarrett, N.[2022]

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) significantly decreased anxiety levels in healthcare graduate students after 8 weeks of training, with improvements maintained at 3 weeks post-course.

MBSR also increased empathy among students at the end of the program, although this effect did not persist at the 3-week follow-up, and no significant changes in burnout were observed between the intervention and control groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness-based stress reduction training is associated with greater empathy and reduced anxiety for graduate healthcare students. Barbosa, P., Raymond, G., Zlotnick, C., et al.[2013]

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a program designed to help individuals manage stress and emotions through mindfulness meditation, but current research shows significant methodological issues and a lack of robust evidence regarding its effectiveness.

While there is some preliminary evidence suggesting MBSR may be beneficial, the overall findings do not strongly support its widespread endorsement, indicating a need for more rigorous research to better understand its efficacy and mechanisms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

What do we really know about mindfulness-based stress reduction? Bishop, SR.[2022]

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is effective in reducing the risk of relapse in patients with recurrent depression, highlighting its efficacy as a therapeutic intervention.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) shows only small effect sizes, suggesting that while mindfulness can be beneficial, its effectiveness may vary depending on the specific program used.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Mindfulness-based psychotherapy]. Bohus, M.[2021]

Mindfulness training, which includes group instruction in various meditation styles, helps individuals focus on their present experiences without being overwhelmed by negative thoughts.

There is growing evidence that incorporating mindfulness training into chronic disease management can reduce psychological distress and enhance the quality of life for patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness training: an adjunctive role in the management of chronic illness? Monshat, K., Castle, DJ.[2019]

An abbreviated Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program consisting of 6 weekly 75-minute sessions can effectively be implemented during staff lunch breaks, making it a practical training option for healthcare providers and clinic staff.

This adapted MBSR program is not only feasible but also well-accepted, suggesting it could enhance the well-being of healthcare workers in a workplace setting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Health Care Staff: Expanding Holistic Nursing Paradigms to the Whole System. Hazlett-Stevens, H.[2021]

The telephonic Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (tMBSR) program significantly improved nurses' health, reduced stress, and decreased burnout over an 8-week period, with effects lasting for at least 4 months after the intervention.

This innovative delivery method makes MBSR more accessible and scalable for healthcare workers, providing a low-cost alternative to traditional in-person sessions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Impact of an Innovative Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on the Health and Well-Being of Nurses Employed in a Corporate Setting. Bazarko, D., Cate, RA., Azocar, F., et al.[2022]

A classroom-based mindfulness intervention (MBI) over eight weeks significantly improved self-compassion and coping self-efficacy in 61 college students, particularly in areas like common humanity and emotion-focused coping.

The study suggests that integrating mindfulness practices into college courses can effectively enhance students' psychological well-being and stress management skills.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Common humanity in the classroom: Increasing self-compassion and coping self-efficacy through a mindfulness-based intervention. Taylor, SB., Kennedy, LA., Lee, CE., et al.[2022]

The mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program significantly helped mental health professionals reduce their work stress and improve their self-care, which in turn enhanced patient care.

Participants in the MBSR program reported increased patient satisfaction and a reduction in patient safety events, indicating a positive impact on both staff well-being and patient outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of mindfulness meditation in promoting a culture of safety on an acute psychiatric unit. Brady, S., O'Connor, N., Burgermeister, D., et al.[2012]

In a study involving 144 middle-level managers, an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program significantly reduced perceived work-related stress, negative affect, and sickness absence compared to a control group.

MBSR also improved self-esteem and positive affect among participants, indicating its effectiveness in enhancing psychological resilience in stressful work environments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for managers: a randomized controlled study. Żołnierczyk-Zreda, D., Sanderson, M., Bedyńska, S.[2020]

Citations

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Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on ... MBSR significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and perceived stress, and improved mindfulness, self-kindness, and physical health in ...

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The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction ... MBSR reduces anxiety, depression, and stress, and increases mindfulness and self-compassion in HCPs, but is less effective in reducing burnout.

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Mindfulness training, cognitive performance and stress ... The practice of mindfulness is considered by some to contribute to cognitive health by helping one fine-tune one's focus, thereby improving sleep, and reducing ...

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Mindfulness meditation: A research-proven way to reduce ... Researchers reviewed more than 200 studies of mindfulness among healthy people and found mindfulness-based therapy was especially effective for reducing stress ...

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Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on burnout ... Moreover, they promote mental health, reduce burnout, enhance occupational well-being, and foster resilience among nurses, allowing them to ...

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