Mindfulness Training for Psychological Distress
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to test a new breathing feature on the meditation app, Equa, designed to assist young adults experiencing psychological distress. The study will evaluate user feedback on the app and any improvements in mindfulness skills. Participants will engage in guided meditation sessions using the app, with some receiving feedback on their body's responses during meditation. Those who might benefit from joining have experienced psychological distress and are open to using meditation or stress management tools. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to explore innovative meditation techniques that could enhance mental well-being.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on mindfulness training and does not mention medication changes.
What prior data suggests that this new breathing feature on the Equa app is safe for users?
Research has shown that mindfulness meditation is generally safe. Studies examining over 200 cases have found that mindfulness helps reduce stress. It is linked to lower stress levels and improved focus in various situations.
Mindfulness practices are typically considered low-risk. Although limited information exists on negative effects, available research suggests these practices are well-tolerated.
Specific safety data for mindfulness meditation with physiological feedback is limited. However, given the widespread and typically safe practice of mindfulness, adding feedback is unlikely to introduce significant risks. Participants can expect this treatment to be safe and effective in reducing stress.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how mindfulness meditation can be enhanced using physiological feedback. Unlike traditional mindfulness techniques, which often rely solely on self-reported progress, this method provides real-time physiological data to participants via an app. This feedback could help users better understand and improve their meditation skills. By providing a visual representation of physiological responses, this method aims to deepen the mindfulness experience and potentially boost its effectiveness in reducing psychological distress.
What evidence suggests that this mindfulness meditation app feature is effective for reducing psychological distress?
Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can reduce stress and mental discomfort. One study found that students who participated in mindfulness training experienced a clear drop in stress levels. Additionally, a review of over 200 studies confirmed that mindfulness-based therapy effectively reduces stress. Mindfulness practices can also boost focus and improve overall brain function. In this trial, participants in the experimental group will receive feedback on their physiological responses during mindfulness meditation, which might help manage mental distress. The control group will not receive this feedback, allowing for a comparison of outcomes between the two groups.24678
Who Is on the Research Team?
David Creswell, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Equa Health
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for young adults experiencing distress who are interested in using a meditation app to improve their mental health. Participants should be willing to complete surveys and mindfulness training units on their smartphone while physiological measures are recorded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants complete 14 smartphone guided mindfulness meditation training units while physiological measures are recorded
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in mindfulness skills and physiological responses after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Mindfulness Meditation
Trial Overview
The study tests the Equa meditation app's new breathing feature, which uses an algorithm to provide feedback based on physiological signals during guided meditations. It aims to assess user satisfaction and measure improvements in mindfulness skills.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Following the guided meditation lessons, a subset of participants (the experimental group) will see a graph tracking their physiological responses from the guided meditation lesson and predictive mindfulness skill scores based on the algorithm development. The feedback chart is produced by the physiological measures tracked throughout the duration of the lesson, and is displayed within the Equa app, moments after the meditation lessons concludes.
Participants be randomly assigned to one of two different 14-unit smartphone meditation program groups that involve completing a 2-10 minute daily guided practice on their phones. Participants in both groups will follow the same 14 units of mindfulness meditation curriculum that consists of learning and practicing techniques to improve concentration, sensory clarity, and equanimity (Equa meditation app) and have access to additional curriculum. Physiological measures will be tracked throughout the duration of lessons. A subset of participants (the experimental group) will see a graph tracking their physiological responses from the guided meditation lesson and predictive mindfulness skill scores based on the algorithm development. The control group will not see the graph tracking their physiology.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Equa Health
Lead Sponsor
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Collaborator
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator
Citations
Effectiveness of training programs based on mindfulness in ...
The results indicate that students who participated in mindfulness training noticed a reduction in stress/psychological distress symptoms ...
2.
systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com
systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-023-02244-yEffectiveness of training programs based on mindfulness in ...
This study aimed to seek evidence regarding the effectiveness of mindfulness-based training programs in reducing psychological distress and promoting the well- ...
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 ...
Mindfulness training, cognitive performance and stress ...
We have always had the obvious hypothesis that mindfulness practice will improve performance on incentivized tasks and lead to better psychological outcomes.
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction ...
The reviewed literature suggested that MBSR was effective in reducing HCPs experiences of anxiety, depression and stress.
Meditation and Mindfulness: Effectiveness and Safety | NCCIH
Meditation and mindfulness practices usually are considered to have few risks. However, few studies have examined these practices for potentially harmful ...
Systematic review and individual participant data meta- ...
Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) are widely used to prevent mental ill health. Evidence suggests beneficial average effects but wide variability.
Mindfulness Is Associated With Lower Stress and Higher ...
Mindfulness was associated with lower perceived stress and higher work engagement in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses.
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