scholarly journals Evaluation of a mindfulness intervention for Paralympic leaders prior to the Paralympic Games

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Lundqvist ◽  
Linda Ståhl ◽  
Göran Kenttä ◽  
Ulrika Thulin
Keyword(s):  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Mindfulness Intervention ◽  
Psychology Perspective ◽  
Initial Support ◽  
Mindfulness Interventions ◽  
Paralympic Games

This article presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of an applied mindfulness intervention for stress reduction delivered to Paralympic leaders prior to the Paralympic Games. The intervention group of Swedish Paralympic leaders ( n = 10) received a mindfulness intervention of eight web-based seminars, while a Norwegian reference group ( n = 6) received no intervention. Three assessments were performed for both samples: at baseline, post-intervention and six weeks post-intervention. The evaluation indicated intervention effects of higher psychological flexibility ( p = .03), less rumination ( p = .02) and lower perceived stress ( p = .001), and offers initial support for the applied usefulness of a web-based mindfulness training program as a supplement in stress-reduction programs for elite sport leaders. General challenges from an applied sport psychology perspective related to the implementation of mindfulness interventions in samples with experienced high levels of stress and perceived time-constraints are discussed.

scholarly journals A Mixed-Method Assessment of a 10-Day Mobile Mindfulness Intervention

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilana Haliwa ◽  
Cameron G. Ford ◽  
Jenna M. Wilson ◽  
Natalie J. Shook
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Trait Mindfulness ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Mindfulness Intervention ◽  
State Mindfulness ◽  
Trait Level ◽  
Mindfulness Interventions

Mobile mindfulness interventions represent a promising alternative to traditional in-person interventions that are resource demanding and have limited accessibility, preventing use by many populations. Despite greater accessibility and popularity of mobile mindfulness applications (apps), research is needed testing the effectiveness of brief interventions delivered via these platforms. The present study assessed the efficacy of a brief mobile mindfulness intervention compared to an active control for increasing state and trait mindfulness and improving mood, as well as the acceptability of the app, in a sample of undergraduate students. Participants (N=139; Mage=19.43years, 80.6% female, 83.5% White) were randomly assigned to either a 10-day mobile mindfulness (Headspace) or cognitive training (Peak) condition. Trait mindfulness was measured pre- and post-intervention. During the 10-day intervention, participants completed 10-min daily exercises on the assigned app, responded to daily questionnaires of state mindfulness and mood, and completed a daily written log of their reactions to the app exercises. Attrition was low (90% completion rate) and did not differ by condition. Participants in the mindfulness condition spent an average of 88.15min (SD=24.75) meditating out of the full 100min prescribed by the intervention. State mindfulness significantly increased across the 10-day intervention for participants in the mindfulness, but not the cognitive training, condition beginning around days 5 and 6. Some aspects of trait mindfulness increased and mood improved from pre- to post-intervention, but these changes were observed in both conditions (i.e., no significant differences were observed by condition). Qualitative analysis of open-ended reactions to the mindfulness app indicated that participants reported more likes than dislikes. Common themes for likes were that participants experienced feelings of calm and focus following the daily mindfulness exercises. Dislikes included discomfort and anxiety associated with increased awareness of thoughts and physical sensations. These findings suggest that while a brief mobile mindfulness intervention is acceptable to undergraduate college students and effective at increasing state mindfulness, a longer intervention may be needed in order to elicit corresponding changes in trait-level mindfulness or mood.

scholarly journals Beyond stress reduction: A conceptual model of intrapersonal transformation through mindfulness interventions

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Nadine Frolic ◽  
Sandra Moll
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Worker Stress ◽  
Mindfulness Interventions ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Exposure To Trauma

Mindfulness-based programs are becoming increasingly common in workplace settings as a means to manage worker stress and enhance resilience.The healthcare sector has been an early-adopter of mindfulness as a means to mitigate workers’ exposure to trauma and high levels of stress, which can result in fatigue, burnout and sub-optimal patient care. In spite of the avalanche of new empirical and theoretical studies of mindfulness programs published over the past ten years, there remains a relative dearth of high-quality qualitative research describing the process and outcomes of programs from the perspective of participants, including their longitudinal impacts. This paper describes qualitative findings of an evaluation of two workplace mindfulness programs involving over 190 healthcare workers, using pre- and post-intervention qualitative surveys as well as focus groups. The study explores participant experiences, described in their own words, and the impact of these programs one year after completion. We draw on the stories gathered from participants to craft an inductive model of mindfulness and its impacts on the lives of novice practitioners. Using metaphor as a method to elucidate this model, we describe the transformative impacts of mindfulness for workers, including impacts on stress, resilience, insight and well-being.We also discuss how qualitative research methods can inform efforts to enhance the quality and evaluate the impact of mindfulness programs in the workplace. 

Evaluation of My Stress Control, a web-based stress management program for persons experiencing work-related stress: A randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Eklund ◽  
Anne Söderlund ◽  
Magnus L Elfström
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Wait List ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Stress Control ◽  
Randomized Controlled

BACKGROUND Stress is one of the most common reasons for sick leave. Web-based interventions have the potential to reach an unlimited number of users at a low cost and have been shown effective at addressing several health-related problems. To handle stress on an individual level is about behavior change. To support behavior change in stress management My Stress Control (MSC) was developed. The development of MSC was based on several health psychology theories and models but central in the development was Social Cognitive Theory, Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behavior, Transactional Theory of Stress and Coping and the Transtheoretical Model and Stages of Change. MSC is a fully automated program. The program is tailored to the user's specific need for stress management and behavior change. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the extent to which MSC affected perceived stress in persons experiencing work-related stress. METHODS This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with two arms. Study participants were recruited by visiting worksites and workplace meetings. Participants were assigned to intervention or wait list group. Web-based questionnaires were used pre- and post-intervention to collect data. Perceived stress measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) was the primary outcome measurement. Analyses were conducted for both between- and within-group changes. RESULTS A total of 92 participants were included in this study, 48 in intervention group and 44 in waitlist group. Twelve participants in the intervention group and 19 participants in the waitlist group completed the post intervention assessment. There were no significant effects on perceived stress between the intervention and wait list groups or within the groups. A small effect size (dCohen=0.25) was found when comparing mean change over time on the primary outcome measure between the intervention and wait list groups. Additionally, a small effect size was found between pre- and post-intervention assessment within the intervention group (dCohen=0.38) as well as within the wait list group (dCohen=0.25). CONCLUSIONS It is still uncertain what effect My Stress Control (MSC) may have on perceived stress. Because adherence was low in the intervention group, elements or features that facilitate adherence must be further developed before firmer conclusions of the effect of MSC can be studied. CLINICALTRIAL This RCT was registered at clinicaltrials.gov, protocol record 2015/0646.

scholarly journals A Qualitative Study of Caregivers’ Experiences, Motivation and Challenges Using a Web-Based Mindfulness Intervention

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 416-425
Author(s):  
Sigrid Stjernswärd ◽  
Lars Hansson
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Mindfulness Intervention ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Somatic Illness ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Mindfulness Interventions

Abstract Caregivers report experiences of stress and burden that can affect their health negatively. Web-based mindfulness interventions have shown beneficial health effects in clinical and non-clinical populations, including caregivers. The study’s aim was to explore the experiences of a web-based mindfulness program, including motivation and challenges to use, in caregivers of a person with somatic illness. Ten participants were interviewed. Data was analyzed with content analysis, resulting in four categories illustrating the participants’ experiences of the program, including motivations and barriers to training: A timely or untimely intervention; Mainly positive effects even at low levels of training; Relationship to the patient; and Creating a routine and maintaining motivation. Qualitative studies can contribute to enrich our understanding of the value of such interventions, which may be a flexible supportive tool for caregivers. The findings illuminate the importance of supporting motivation and adherence to such interventions, with the potential for enhanced beneficial outcomes.

Effect of web-based time-use intervention on occupational balance during the Covid-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 000841742199496
Author(s):  
Serkan Pekçetin ◽  
Ayla Günal
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Time Use ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Single Session ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Management Interventions

Background. Restrictions implemented to control the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic may lead to disruptions in occupational balance among university students. Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based time-use intervention on the occupational balance of university students. Method. A total of 60 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received eight sessions of web-based time management intervention, while the control group received a single-session web-based time management intervention. Pre-and post-intervention occupational balance of the participants was evaluated with Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ). Findings. The eight-session intervention was more effective than the single-session intervention in improving OBQ total scores and all individual OBQ item scores except for “Having sufficient things to do during a regular week.” Implications. Occupational therapists can implement web-based time management interventions to promote the occupational balance of university students during the Covid-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Teaching and Practicing Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness Skills in a Web-Based Platform among Older Adults through the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10563
Author(s):  
Stav Shapira ◽  
Ella Cohn-Schwartz ◽  
Daphna Yeshua-Katz ◽  
Limor Aharonson-Daniel ◽  
Avram Mark Clarfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Wait List Control

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an acceleration in the development of web-based interventions to alleviate related mental health impacts. The current study explored the effects of a short-term digital group intervention aimed at providing cognitive behavioral and mindfulness tools and skills to reduce loneliness and depression and to increase social support among older adults in Israel. This pilot randomized controlled trial included community-dwelling older adults (n = 82; aged between 65–90 years; 80% female) who were randomized either to an intervention group (n = 64) or a wait-list control group (n = 18). The intervention included seven online sessions, over 3.5 weeks. Depression, loneliness, and social support measures were administered at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 1-month follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed statistically and clinically significant reductions in depression in the intervention group, with results maintained at one-month follow-up. Loneliness levels also significantly decreased post-intervention; however, this benefit was not maintained at one-month follow-up. Social support slightly increased both post-intervention and 1-month follow-up—but these changes were not statistically significant. There were no overall changes for the wait-list control group. Our intervention provided promising evidence regarding the effectiveness of an online group intervention to alleviate mental health effects and to promote the coping of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This relatively simple model can be effectively utilized by communities globally to help connect lonely and isolated older inhabitants, both during the pandemic and in more routine times.

scholarly journals Distress improves after mindfulness training for progressive MS: A pilot randomised trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 1184-1194 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Bogosian ◽  
P Chadwick ◽  
S Windgassen ◽  
S Norton ◽  
P McCrone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Mindfulness Intervention ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Background: Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to effectively reduce anxiety, depression and pain in patients with chronic physical illnesses. Objectives: We assessed the potential effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a specially adapted Skype distant-delivered mindfulness intervention, designed to reduce distress for people affected by primary and secondary progressive MS. Methods Forty participants were randomly assigned to the eight-week intervention ( n = 19) or a waiting-list control group ( n = 21). Participants completed standardised questionnaires to measure mood, impact of MS and symptom severity, quality of life and service costs at baseline, post-intervention and three-month follow-up. Results: Distress scores were lower in the intervention group compared with the control group at post-intervention and follow-up ( p < 0.05), effect size −0.67 post-intervention and −0.97 at follow-up. Mean scores for pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and impact of MS were reduced for the mindfulness group compared with control group at post-therapy and follow-up; effect sizes ranged from −0.27 to −0.99 post-intervention and −0.29 to −1.12 at follow-up. There were no differences in quality-adjusted life years, but an 87.4% probability that the intervention saves on service costs and improves outcome. Conclusions: A mindfulness intervention delivered through Skype video conferences appears accessible, feasible and potentially effective and cost-effective for people with progressive MS.

scholarly journals Classroom-Based Mindfulness Training Reduces Anxiety in Adolescents: Acceptability and Effectiveness of a Cluster-Randomized Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanette M. Johnstone ◽  
Amanda Ribbers ◽  
David Jenkins ◽  
Rachel Atchley ◽  
Hanna Gustafsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Passive Control ◽  
Home Practice ◽  
Expectancy Effects ◽  
School Students ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Mindfulness Intervention ◽  
Students Satisfaction

Objective: Many high school students experience a high degree of anxiety and perceived stress. This study examined whether a classroom-based mindfulness program or a wellness program were acceptable and effective as anxiety and stress reduction interventions based on students’ self-reports. Design, setting, and participants: Thirteen health education classes (n=285 students, aged 14–16 years) were randomized by classroom to one of three conditions: mindfulness, wellness, or usual health class only (passive control/waitlist), for 8 weeks. Outcomes: Pre- and post-intervention scores compared self-reported measures of depression, anxiety and stress. Results: Complete data were available from nine classes (n=202 students). Post-intervention anxiety scores were reduced in students who received the mindfulness intervention compared to those who received only their usual health class (β=−0.07, SE=0.03, P≤0.001; 95% CI=−0.12, −0.02). No significant between group differences were found for depression or stress (P>0.4). Students’ satisfaction with the mindfulness intervention they received withstood baseline credibility and expectancy effects: r=0.21, n=67, P=0.17 for credibility; r=−0.001, n=67, P=0.99 for expectancy. However, students’ satisfaction with the wellness intervention they received was positively correlated with their pre-intervention expectations, r=0.42, n=47, P<0.001. Fifty-two percent of the 68 students assigned to mindfulness (n=35) used the iPad app for mindfulness home practice at least once; of those, 10% used it 10 or more times. Conclusion: Eight weeks of classroom-based mindfulness, with limited home practice, reduced self-reported anxiety compared to usual health class, and withstood baseline expectancy effects in this group of high school students, a majority who come from high income families. Clinical implications: School- or community-based mindfulness may be an appropriate recommendation for adolescents who experience anxiety.

scholarly journals REDUCING THE JOB-RELATED STRESS AMONG NURSING OFFICERS IN A BASE HOSPITAL, SRI LANKA

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (01) ◽  
pp. 573-580
Author(s):  
Indika Wanninayake ◽  
Sumal Nandasena
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Base Hospital ◽  
Nursing Stress ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Mindfulness Base Stress Reduction

Introduction: Stress is a one of risk factors affecting all health categories including nursing officers. Objective: To implement a Mindfulness Base Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention for nursing officers at base hospital Horana Sri Lanka. Methodology: Intervention study with randomizing nursing officers for two groups (i.e., control group and intervention group) was conducted in Base hospital, Horana. A sample of 96 nursing officers was randomized to two groups. Prior to randomization, baseline stress level was assessed by Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS). A six-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) package was implemented for intervention group. Similar to the baseline assessment, effectiveness of the MBSR package was assessed following the implementation in both groups. Student t test was used to compare intervention and non-intervention group. Initially, 48 participants were selected for each arm. Out of the remaining participants, 42 in non-intervention group and 41 in the intervention group were completed the post intervention assessment, successfully. Results: Several aspects of stress were improved with the intervention. As examples, perception of stress due to issues of inpatient care including procedure painful to patient (p =001), The death of a patient with whom you develop with a close relationship ( p<0.001)), Physician(s)not being present when patients dying ( p =0.001), watching the patient suffer( p <0.001), were significantly improved in the intervention group. Conclusion: Result of present study shows benefits of MBSR intervention to reduce perception of stress among nursing officers. The MBSR package is recommended for other hospitals.

scholarly journals Randomized Comparison of Mobile and Web-Tools to Provide Dementia Risk Reduction Education: Use, Engagement and Participant Satisfaction

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. e4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elodie O'Connor ◽  
Maree Farrow ◽  
Chris Hatherly
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Mobile Phone Application ◽  
Baseline Questionnaire ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Favorable Evaluation

Background Encouraging middle-aged adults to maintain their physical and cognitive health may have a significant impact on reducing the prevalence of dementia in the future. Mobile phone apps and interactive websites may be one effective way to target this age group. However, to date there has been little research investigating the user experience of dementia risk reduction tools delivered in this way. Objective The aim of this study was to explore participant engagement and evaluations of three different targeted smartphone and Web-based dementia risk reduction tools following a four-week intervention. Methods Participants completed a Web-based screening questionnaire to collect eligibility information. Eligible participants were asked to complete a Web-based baseline questionnaire and were then randomly assigned to use one of the three dementia risk reduction tools for a period of four weeks: (1) a mobile phone application; (2) an information-based website; and (3) an interactive website. User evaluations were obtained via a Web-based follow-up questionnaire after completion of the intervention. Results Of 415 eligible participants, 370 (89.16%) completed the baseline questionnaire and were assigned to an intervention group; 200 (54.05%) completed the post-intervention questionnaire. The average age of participants was 52 years, and 149 (75%) were female. Findings indicated that participants from all three intervention groups reported a generally positive impression of the tools across a range of domains. Participants using the information-based website reported higher ratings of their overall impression of the tool, F2,191=4.12, P=.02; how interesting the information was, F2,189=3.53, P=.03; how helpful the information was, F2,192=4.15, P=.02; and how much they learned, F2,188=3.86, P=.02. Group differences were significant between the mobile phone app and information-based website users, but not between the interactive website users and the other two groups. Additionally, participants using the information-based website reported significantly higher scores on their ratings of the ease of navigation, F2,190=4.20, P=.02, than those using the mobile phone app and the interactive website. There were no significant differences between groups on ratings of ease of understanding the information, F2,188=0.27, P=.76. Most participants from each of the three intervention groups indicated that they intended to keep using the dementia risk reduction eHealth tool. Conclusions Overall, results indicated that while participants across all three intervention groups reported a generally positive experience with the targeted dementia risk reduction tools, participants using the information-based website provided a more favorable evaluation across a range of areas than participants using the mobile phone app. Further research is required to investigate whether targeted dementia risk reduction tools, in the form of interactive websites and mobile apps, can be improved to provide benefits above those gained by providing static information alone.

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