scholarly journals Efficacy and Moderation of Mobile App–Based Programs for Mindfulness-Based Training, Self-Compassion Training, and Cognitive Behavioral Psychoeducation on Mental Health: Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. e60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winnie WS Mak ◽  
Alan CY Tong ◽  
Sindy YC Yip ◽  
Wacy WS Lui ◽  
Floria HN Chio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Mindful Awareness ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Mental Well Being

Background Mindfulness-based interventions, self-compassion training, and cognitive behavioral therapy have garnered much evidence in its salutary effects on mental health. With increasing application of smartphone and mobile technology on health promotion, this study investigated the efficacy and possible moderators of mindfulness, self-compassion, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation training mobile apps in the improvement of mental health. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of 3 mobile app–based programs: mindfulness-based program, self-compassion program, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation program in improving mental well-being and reducing psychological distress. Changes in mindful awareness and self-compassion were also assessed. To further delineate the suitability of each program for different types of individuals, individual difference variables (ie, discomfort with emotions and tolerance for ambiguity) were explored for potential moderation. Methods This study was a 3-arm, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial examining the efficacy of mindfulness-based program, self-compassion program, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation. Participants were randomized into either 1 of the 3 conditions. Throughout the 4-week, 28-session program, participants spent 10-15 min daily reviewing the course content and practicing various related exercises. At preprogram, postprogram, and 3-month follow-up, participants also completed Web-based measures of mental well-being, psychological distress, mindful-awareness, and self-compassion as well as the proposed moderators. Results Among the 2161 study participants, 508 and 349 completed the post- and 3-month follow-up assessment, respectively. All 3 conditions (mindfulness-based program: N=703; cognitive behavioral psychoeducation: N=753; self-compassion program: N=705) were found to be efficacious in improving mental well-being and reducing psychological distress. All conditions enhanced mindful awareness at postprogram. Significant interaction effect was found on self-compassion; cognitive behavioral psychoeducation and self-compassion program, but not mindfulness-based program, significantly enhanced self-compassion at postprogram. No significant differences regarding usage and users’ satisfaction were found among the 3 conditions. None of the proposed moderators were found to be significant. Conclusions Mindfulness-based, self-compassion, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation mobile apps were efficacious in improving mental well-being and reducing psychological distress among adults at postprogram and 3-month follow-up. Future app-based psychological training programs should consider gamification and personalization of content or feedback to enhance engagement and mitigate the high attrition rates that are common in app-based health promotion programs. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR-TRC-13003468; http://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.aspx?id=6220 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/734PlOz50)

scholarly journals Efficacy and moderation of mobile application-based mindfulness-based training, self-compassion training, and cognitive-behavioral psychoeducation on mental health: A randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winnie Wing Sze Mak ◽  
Alan Chun Yat Tong ◽  
Sindy Ying Chi Yip ◽  
Wacy Wai Sze Lui ◽  
Floria Hin Ngan Chio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Self Compassion

BACKGROUND Mindfulness-based interventions, self-compassion training, and cognitive behavioral therapy have garnered much evidence in its salutary effects on mental health. With increasing application of smartphone and mobile technology on health promotion, the present study investigated the efficacy and possible moderators of mindfulness, self-compassion, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation training mobile applications in the improvement of mental health. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to examine the efficacy of three mobile application-based programs: mindfulness-based program (MBP), self-compassion program (SCP), and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation control (CBP) in improving well-being and reducing psychological distress. To further delineate the suitability of each program for which type of individuals, individual difference variables (i.e., nonattachment, self-criticism, discomfort with emotion, and tolerance for ambiguity) were explored for potential moderation. METHODS The present study was a three-arm randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of MBP, SCP with CBP. The course contents of the three programs were composed by a clinical psychologist and the mobile application was fully automated. Participants were recruited online and offline via mass mail, advertisements in newspapers and magazines, and social networking site. They were randomized into either one of the three conditions and completed pre-program survey assessment. Throughout the 4-week, 28-session program, participants spent 10 minutes daily in reviewing the course content and practicing various related exercises. Post-assessment and 3-month follow-up surveys were administered to measure changes over time. Indicators of mental health and psychological distress, as well as proposed moderators were self-assessed online at pre-program, post-program, and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS Among the 2,161 study participants, 508 and 349 completed the post- and 3-month follow-up assessment respectively. All three conditions (MBP, N = 703; CBP, N = 753; SCP, N = 705) were found to be efficacious in improving mental well-being and reducing psychological distress. No significant differences regarding usage and users’ satisfaction were found among the three conditions. None of the proposed moderators were found to be significant. CONCLUSIONS Mindfulness-based, self-compassion, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation mobile applications were efficacious in improving mental health and reducing psychological distress among young adults at post-program, and such improvements were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Future app-based psychological training programs should consider gamification and personalization of content or feedback to enhance engagement and mitigate the high attrition rate that are common in app-based health promotion programs. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR-TRC-13003468; https://www2.ccrb.cuhk.edu.hk/registry/public/217 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6oaPwga7z).

Moderation role of proactive coping between psychological place attachment and its mental health consequences in sojourners

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rida Muhammad Akbar ◽  
Muhammad Naveed Riaz
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Place Attachment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Place Identity ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Proactive Coping ◽  
Preventive Coping ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
The Relationship

Objective The study also examined the moderating impact of proactive coping strategies in the relationship of psychological place attachment and mental health related outcomes in sojourners. Methods The study was based upon self-report measures including Psychological Place Attachment Scale, Proactive Coping Inventory, Warwick Edinburg Mental Well-being Scale and Kasler Psychological Distress Scale. Total 300 sojourners participated in the study.  Participants Academic sojourners are students who stay in a place for a limited period of time. Data of sojourners (N = 300) was collected from Sargodha using four self-report measures. Results Data analysis through PROCSS 3.2 revealed that Proactive coping, preventive coping and reflective coping were significantly moderated the relationship between affective and psychological distress. Proactive coping and reflective coping were significantly moderated the relationship between affective bonding and mental wells-being. Proactive coping preventive coping and avoidance coping significantly moderated the relationship home meaning and psychological distress. Proactive coping was moderated the relationship between home meaning and psychological distress. Proactive coping and reflective coping were moderated the relationship between place identity and psychological distress. Proactive coping was moderated the relationship between place identity and mental well-being. Instrumental support seeking was moderating the relationship between place dependence and psychological distress. Preventive coping and reflective coping were moderated the relationship between psychological place attachment and psychological distress. Reflective coping, strategic planning and preventive coping were significantly moderated the relationship between psychological place attachment and mental well-being. Continuous...

An Online Intervention to Support Student-Athlete Mental Health: Implementation, Evaluation, and Critical Reflection

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (S1) ◽  
pp. S1-54-S1-61
Author(s):  
Ben Laslett ◽  
Mark Uphill
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multiple Baseline ◽  
Probe Design ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Single Subject Design ◽  
Subject Design ◽  
Mental Well Being

This study examined the influence of two interventions (therapeutic letter to self; values targeting) on student-athletes’ mental health using two variants of a single-subject design: a multiple-baseline single-subject design and a probe design. Four high-ability student-athletes (two males and two females) who competed in various sports (e.g., soccer and cycling) completed two preintervention measures (Mental Health Continuum Short Form; Clinical Outcomes Routine Evaluation 10) at baseline. These measures were then readministered after Intervention 1, Intervention 2, and at a 2-week follow-up using a probe design. Mental well-being (Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale) was assessed every 2 days from start to finish using a multiple-baseline across-participants design. Data were analyzed via visual inspection methods, specifically, immediacy of effect, mean change, effect sizes, and percentage of overlapping data. Results indicated that two participants who completed the study (Nina and Tim) showed an increase in total mental health and a decrease in psychological distress from baseline to follow-up. Findings are discussed with respect to prior research and study limitations.

Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Group Intervention on Acculturation

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia-Yan Pan ◽  
Petrus Ng ◽  
Daniel Kim-Wan Young ◽  
Schoepf Caroline
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
University Students ◽  
Acculturative Stress ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Positive Effects

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) in improving mental health and promoting postmigration growth for Mainland university students in Hong Kong. Methods: Thirty-six Mainland students with mild-to-moderate levels of psychological distress have completed a 8-session CBI group. Various mental health measures have been administered at the pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up tests. Results: The levels of psychological distress, acculturative stress, and negative emotions and negative thoughts of the participants were significantly reduced, while their positive emotions and postmigration growth were significantly increased upon completion of the CBI group. The positive effects were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: CBI group appears to be an effective intervention approach for improving the mental health and promoting postmigration growth for Mainland university students in Hong Kong. Implications for social work practices when engaging with Chinese international students were provided.

scholarly journals Evaluating mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours in UK university students: a country wide study

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-319
Author(s):  
Paul Gorczynski ◽  
Wendy Sims-Schouten ◽  
Clare Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
University Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
Mental Well Being

Purpose Despite a high prevalence of mental health problems, few students know where to turn for support. The purpose of this study was to gain a UK wide perspective on levels of mental health literacy amongst university students and to examine the relationship between mental health literacy and mental health help-seeking behaviours. Design/methodology/approach A total of 300 university students in the UK participated in this online cross-sectional study. Participants filled out the mental health literacy scale, the general help-seeking questionnaire, Kessler psychological distress scale 10, The Warwick-Edinburgh mental well-being scale and the self-compassion scale: short form. Findings Overall, 78 per cent of participants indicated mild or more severe symptoms of distress. Students reported lower levels of mental health literacy when compared to students in other nations. Women, bisexuals, and those with a history of mental disorders indicated high levels of mental health literacy. Participants indicated they were most likely to seek support from intimate partners and least likely to seek support from religious leaders. No significant correlations were found between mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours. Mental health literacy was not correlated with distress, mental well-being or self-compassion. Help-seeking behaviours were only significantly positively correlated with mental well-being. Originality/value Universities should address strategies to improve help-seeking behaviours in an effort to address overall mental well-being. Programmes may wish to help provide students with information about accessing face-to-face support systems. Environmental strategies to foster mental well-being on campus should also be explored.

scholarly journals Practicing Other-Focused Kindness and Self-Focused Kindness Among Those at Risk for Mental Illness: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Katherine Nelson-Coffey ◽  
Ernst T. Bohlmeijer ◽  
Marijke Schotanus-Dijkstra
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
Dutch Sample ◽  
Mental Well Being

People with reduced levels of mental well-being might be at risk for developing future mental illness. Although several positive psychology interventions successfully improve mental well-being and psychological distress, less is known about their efficacy in a sample at risk for mental disorders. A Dutch sample of 289 participants with low or moderate levels of well-being were randomly assigned to other-focused kindness with reflection, other-focused kindness without reflection, self-focused kindness, or waitlist control (Trial register: NTR6786). Results of multilevel growth curve analyses revealed that other-focused kindness, but not self-focused kindness, led to improvements in the primary outcome mental well-being relative to waitlist control up to 6-week follow-up. By contrast, only other-focused kindness without reflection led to improvements in psychological distress. The three kindness conditions mainly did not differ from one another, and mainly no differences were found up to 6-months follow-up. An exception was that perceived stress was significantly more reduced up to 6-week and 6-months follow-up when people practiced other-focused kindness without reflection then when participants had practiced self-focused kindness. These findings point to the benefits of practicing kindness for others when people might be at risk for future mental illness. The study also indicates that reflecting about practicing kindness does not seem to have added value.

scholarly journals A New Mental Health Mobile App for Well-Being and Stress Reduction in Working Women: Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/14269 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. e14269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cássia Canha Coelhoso ◽  
Patricia Renovato Tobo ◽  
Shirley Silva Lacerda ◽  
Alex Heitor Lima ◽  
Carla Regina Camara Barrichello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Working Women ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
World Health ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Work Related

Background Although the availability and use of mobile mental health apps has grown exponentially in recent years, little data are available regarding their efficacy. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an app developed to promote stress management and well-being among working women compared with a control app. Methods Female employees at a private hospital were invited to participate in the study via mailing lists and intranet ads. A total of 653 individuals self-enrolled through the website. Eligible participants were randomized between control (n=240) and intervention (n=250) groups. The well-being mobile app provides an 8-week program with 4 classes per week (including a brief theoretical portion and a 15-min guided practice). The active control app also provided 4 assessments per week that encouraged participants to self-observe how they were feeling for 20 min. We also used the app to conduct Web-based questionnaires (10-item Perceived Stress Scale and 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index) and ask specific questions to assess subjective levels of stress and well-being at baseline (t1), midintervention (t4=4 weeks after t1) and postintervention (t8=8 weeks after t1). Both apps were fully automated without any human involvement. Outcomes from the control and intervention conditions at the 3 time points were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance. Results Among the randomized participants (n=490), 185 participants were excluded at the 4-week follow-up and another 79 at the 8-week follow-up because of noncompliance with the experimental protocol. Participants who did not complete t4 and t8 assessments were equally distributed between groups (t4: control group=34.6% [83/240] and intervention group=40.8% [102/250]; P=.16; t8: control group=29.9% [47/157] and intervention group=21.6% [32/148]; P=.10). Both groups showed a significant increase in general well-being as a function of time (F2,426=5.27; P=.006), but only the intervention group presented a significant increase in work-related well-being (F2,426=8.92; P<.001), as well as a significant reduction in work-related and overall stress (F2,426=5.50; P=.004 and F2,426=8.59; P<.001, respectively). Conclusions The well-being mobile app was effective in reducing employee stress and improving well-being. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02637414; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02637414.

scholarly journals Efficacy of the Digital Therapeutic Mobile App BioBase to Reduce Stress and Improve Mental Well-Being Among University Students: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Ponzo ◽  
Davide Morelli ◽  
Jamie M Kawadler ◽  
Nicola Rose Hemmings ◽  
Geoffrey Bird ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Digital Version ◽  
Sustained Effects ◽  
Mental Well Being

BACKGROUND University students in the United Kingdom are experiencing increasing levels of anxiety. A program designed to increase awareness of one’s present levels of well-being and suggest personalized health behaviors may reduce anxiety and improve mental well-being in students. The efficacy of a digital version of such a program, providing biofeedback and therapeutic content based on personalized well-being metrics, is reported here. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to test the efficacy and sustained effects of using a mobile app (BioBase) and paired wearable device (BioBeam), compared with a waitlist control group, on anxiety and well-being in university students with elevated levels of anxiety and stress. METHODS The study employed a randomized, waitlist-controlled trial with assessments at baseline, 2 weeks, postintervention (4 weeks), and follow-up (6 weeks). Participants were eligible if they were current full-time undergraduate students and (1) at least 18 years of age, (2) scored &gt;14 points on the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 items (DASS-21) stress subscale or &gt;7 points on the DASS-21 anxiety subscale, (3) owned an iOS mobile phone, (4) did not have any previous psychiatric or neurological conditions, (6) were not pregnant at the time of testing, and (7) were able to read and understand English. Participants were encouraged to use BioBase daily and complete at least one course of therapeutic content. A <i>P</i> value ≤.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS We found that a 4-week intervention with the BioBase program significantly reduced anxiety and increased perceived well-being, with sustained effects at a 2-week follow-up. Furthermore, a significant reduction in depression levels was found following the 4-week usage of BioBase. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the efficacy of a biofeedback digital intervention in reducing self-reported anxiety and increasing perceived well-being in UK university students. Results suggest that digital mental health interventions could constitute a novel approach to treat stress and anxiety in students, which could be combined or integrated with existing therapeutic pathways. CLINICALTRIAL Open Science Framework (OSF.io) 2zd45; https://osf.io/2zd45/

scholarly journals The mental health of NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: a two-wave cohort study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes H. De Kock ◽  
Helen Latham ◽  
Richard Gregory Cowden ◽  
Breda Cullen ◽  
Katia Narzisi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Health Board ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Over Time

Abstract: Background Health and social care workers(HSCWs) are at risk of experiencing adverse mental health (MH) outcomes (e.g., higher levels of anxiety and depression) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This can have a detrimental impact on quality of care, the national response to the pandemic and its aftermath. Aims A longitudinal design provided follow-up evidence on the MH(changes in the prevalence of disease over time) of NHS staff working in a remote health board in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigated the determinants of MH outcomes over time. Method A two-wave longitudinal study was conducted from July to September 2020. Participants self-reported levels of depression(PHQ-9), anxiety(GAD-7), and mental well-being(WEMWBS) at baseline and again 1.5 months later. Results The analytic sample of 169 participants, working in community(43%) and hospital(44%) settings reported substantial levels of probable clinical depression, anxiety and low mental well-being(MWB) at baseline(depression:30.8%, anxiety:20.1%, low-MWB:31.9%). Whilst the MH of participants remained mostly constant over time, the proportion of participants meeting the threshold for clinical anxiety increased to 27.2% at follow-up. Multivariable modelling indicated that working with, and disruption due to COVID-19 were associated with adverse MH changes over time. Conclusions HSCWs working in a remote area with low COVID-19 prevalence, reported similar levels of substantial anxiety and depression as those working in areas of the UK with high rates of COVID-19 infections. Efforts to support HSCW MH must remain a priority and should minimize the adverse effects of working with, and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The mental health of NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: two-wave Scottish cohort study

BJPsych Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes H. De Kock ◽  
Helen Ann Latham ◽  
Richard G. Cowden ◽  
Breda Cullen ◽  
Katia Narzisi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Health Changes ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Over Time

Background Health and social care workers (HSCWs) are at risk of experiencing adverse mental health outcomes (e.g. higher levels of anxiety and depression) because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This can have a detrimental effect on quality of care, the national response to the pandemic and its aftermath. Aims A longitudinal design provided follow-up evidence on the mental health (changes in prevalence of disease over time) of NHS staff working at a remote health board in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic, and investigated the determinants of mental health outcomes over time. Method A two-wave longitudinal study was conducted from July to September 2020. Participants self-reported levels of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7) and mental well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale) at baseline and 1.5 months later. Results The analytic sample of 169 participants, working in community (43%) and hospital (44%) settings, reported substantial levels of depression and anxiety, and low mental well-being at baseline (depression, 30.8%; anxiety, 20.1%; well-being, 31.9%). Although mental health remained mostly constant over time, the proportion of participants meeting the threshold for anxiety increased to 27.2% at follow-up. Multivariable modelling indicated that working with, and disruption because of, COVID-19 were associated with adverse mental health changes over time. Conclusions HSCWs working in a remote area with low COVID-19 prevalence reported substantial levels of anxiety and depression, similar to those working in areas with high COVID-19 prevalence. Efforts to support HSCW mental health must remain a priority, and should minimise the adverse effects of working with, and disruption caused by, the COVID-19 pandemic.

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