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
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Well-being, Work Stress
- Sponsor
- University College, London
- Enrollment
- 120
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Well-being
- Last Updated
- 13 years ago
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.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
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
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)