MB-Spirit for Stress
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new program called MB-Spirit to determine its effectiveness in reducing stress and improving well-being. Researchers aim to discover whether learning mindfulness and character strengths together enhances well-being and what changes occur in the brain. Participants will join an online course for eight weeks and undergo MRI scans before and after to assess brain changes. The trial suits English-speaking adults who frequently experience stress, can attend all classes, and can travel to Boston for the scans. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on stress reduction and well-being.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial excludes people who are currently using psychotropic medications (drugs that affect mood, perception, or behavior), so you would need to stop taking these to participate.
What prior data suggests that the MB-Spirit intervention is safe for stressed adults?
Research shows that mindfulness-based programs, such as MB-Spirit, are generally safe and manageable for participants. Past studies have demonstrated that similar mindfulness programs are beneficial without causing major side effects. For example, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has reduced stress, anxiety, and depression in healthcare workers without harmful effects.
Additionally, studies combining mindfulness with character strengths, as MB-Spirit does, have improved well-being and relationship satisfaction. This indicates that the MB-Spirit program is likely safe for participants.
Because this program emphasizes mindfulness and character strengths, it does not involve drugs or medical procedures, which typically reduces the risk of side effects. Overall, participants in these programs usually report positive experiences without safety concerns.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
MB-Spirit is unique because it combines mindfulness practices with character strengths in an online course format to help reduce stress and promote well-being. Unlike traditional stress management options, which may include therapy or medication, MB-Spirit offers a holistic approach that can be accessed from anywhere, making it convenient and accessible. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it not only focuses on immediate stress relief but also aims to enhance overall well-being by tapping into personal strengths, offering a potentially more sustainable and empowering way to manage stress.
What evidence suggests that MB-Spirit is effective for improving well-being in stressed adults?
Studies have shown that mindfulness programs like MB-Spirit effectively reduce stress and improve well-being. Research indicates that combining mindfulness with personal strengths enhances self-awareness and improves relationships. Early findings suggest that MB-Spirit might reduce stress more effectively than some popular mindfulness programs. Specifically, participants in these studies experienced less anxiety and depression and reported greater life satisfaction. In this trial, participants will either take part in the MB-Spirit program or be placed on a wait-list. Therefore, MB-Spirit has a good chance of positively impacting stressed adults.34678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sara Lazar, PhD
Principal Investigator
Massachusetts General Hospital
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for stressed adults interested in trying a new behavioral intervention called MB-Spirit. Participants must be willing to attend an online course weekly for 8 weeks, fill out questionnaires, and undergo MRI brain scans before and after the course.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-Intervention Testing
Participants complete questionnaires and an MRI scan before the course
Treatment
Participants are enrolled in an 8-week online course that combines mindfulness with character strengths
Post-Intervention Testing
Participants complete questionnaires and an MRI scan after the course
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in spiritual well-being, mindfulness, and clinical symptoms
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- MB-Spirit
Trial Overview
The study tests if MB-Spirit can boost psychological well-being and cause changes in the brain. Half of the participants will start the program immediately, while the other half will wait (control group) and then receive it later.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
8-week online course that combines mindfulness with character strengths to promote well-being
Wait list
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Sara W Lazar
Lead Sponsor
Harvard Medical School (HMS and HSDM)
Collaborator
Citations
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction ...
The reviewed literature suggested that MBSR was effective in reducing HCPs experiences of anxiety, depression and stress.
Strengths & Mindfulness Research | VIA Institute
Discusses the integration of mindfulness and character strengths to enhance intrapersonal awareness and interpersonal effectiveness. It makes the case and ...
(PDF) Integrating Mindfulness and Character Strengths for ...
While early controlled studies find MBSP to elicit well-being and reduce stress, and find it to be superior to popular mindfulness programs for ...
Character Strengths and Mindfulness - Oxford Academic
The initial findings reveal that, while both programs improved mindfulness and reduced stress compared to controls, MBSP increased character strengths and ...
Fusing character strengths and mindfulness interventions
Results showed the MBSR was effective for increasing well-being, reducing perceived stress, and increasing job satisfaction, whereas the ...
Assessing MB-Spirit for Psychological Well-being
We will assess changes in spiritual well-being (Primary outcome), mindfulness, and use of character/virtue strengths (secondary outcomes).
7.
tpcjournal.nbcc.org
tpcjournal.nbcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pages-271-287-Morris-Silent-No-More-Exploring-the-Effects-of-MBSP-on-Female-Survivors-of-MST.pdfExploring the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice ...
This study explored the effects of the 8-week Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice program on relationship satisfaction, mindfulness traits, ...
8.
rcej.scholasticahq.com
rcej.scholasticahq.com/article/84885-potential-benefits-of-mindfulness-based-strength-practice-for-individuals-with-disabilities-in-vocational-rehabilitation-settingsPotential Benefits of Mindfulness-Based Strength Practice for ...
This intervention focuses on character strengths and mindfulness in a combined format and has shown preliminary evidence for benefit in a ...
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