A Randomised Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effects of a Mindfulness Smartphone App on Well-being in the Workplace

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Well-being, Work Stress
• Interventions: Other: Headspace On-the-go app

• Registration Number: NCT01661569
• Lead Sponsor: University College, London

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 Timeline

• Status Verified: 2012-08
• Study Start: 2012-08
• Study First Submitted: 2012-08-07
• Study First Submitted QC: 2012-08-07
• Last Update Submitted: 2012-08-07
• Study First Posted: 2012-08-09
• Last Update Posted: 2012-08-09
• Primary Completion: 2013-01
• Study Completion: 2013-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 120

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Headspace On-the-go app	Headspace On-the-go app	Participants were given access to a 45-day mindfulness meditation programme via the Headspace smartphone app

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Well-being	8 weeks	Psychological well-being will be assessed using the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Blood pressure	8 weeks	Blood pressure over the working day will be measured as an indicator of activation of the stress response

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

UK high-tech company office; 🇬🇧 London, United Kingdom