A Randomised Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effects of the Headspace Mindfulness Smartphone App on Psychological Well-being and Biological Indicators of Stress in the Workplace
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Sponsor
- University College, London
- Enrollment
- 120
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Well-being
Study Overview
Brief Summary
We propose a randomised controlled trial in a workplace setting to investigate whether a smartphone-delivered programme of mindfulness meditation influences psychological and biological indicators of well-being.
We hypothesise that after 8 weeks participants who complete the meditation programme will show increases in psychological well-being and reduced activation of stress-related biological pathways.
Detailed Description
Mindfulness-based therapies can reduce depressive symptoms in patients and healthy subjects. Therapies such as MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction) typically consist of 8 group sessions led by an experienced practitioner, plus home practice and one full day of meditation. In this study we aim to investigate whether a mindfulness programme delivered as a series of podcasts on a mobile phone app could lead to gains in well-being and a reduction in stress.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 65 Years (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Employees of a UK high-tech company
- •Raised levels of work stress (overcommitment>2) or depression (CESD>1)
Exclusion Criteria
- •treated for anxiety, depression or hypertension
- •taking medication containing steroids
Arms & Interventions
Headspace On-the-go app
Participants were given access to a 45-day mindfulness meditation programme via the Headspace smartphone app
Intervention: Headspace On-the-go app (Other)
Waitlist control
Participants will be asked to wait for 8 weeks before starting the intervention
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Well-being
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Psychological well-being will be assessed using the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale
Secondary Outcomes
- Blood pressure(8 weeks)