Mind over Matter: Testing the Efficacy of an Online Randomized Controlled Trial to Reduce Distraction from Smartphone Use

Evidence suggests a growing call for the prevention of excessive smartphone and social media use and the ensuing distraction that arises affecting academic achievement and productivity. A ten-day online randomized controlled trial with the use of smartphone apps, engaging participants in mindfulness exercises, self-monitoring and mood tracking, was implemented amongst UK university students (n = 143). Participants were asked to complete online pre- and post-intervention assessments. Results indicated high effect sizes in reduction of smartphone distraction and improvement scores on a number of self-reported secondary psychological outcomes. The intervention was not effective in reducing habitual behaviours, nomophobia, or time spent on social media. Mediation analyses demonstrated that: (i) emotional self-awareness but not mindful attention mediated the relationship between intervention effects and smartphone distraction, and (ii) online vigilance mediated the relationship between smartphone distraction and problematic social media use. The present study provides preliminary evidence of the efficacy of an intervention for decreased smartphone distraction and highlights psychological processes involved in this emergent phenomenon in the smartphone literature. Online interventions may serve as complementary strategies to reduce distraction levels and promote insight into online engagement. More research is required to elucidate the mechanisms of digital distraction and assess its implications in problematic use.

Download Full-text

Effects of the Satir Model on Mental Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Research on Social Work Practice ◽

10.1177/1049731518819829 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 29 (7) ◽

pp. 775-785 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Way Kwok-Wai Lau ◽

Pamela Pui-Yu Leung ◽

Catherine Lai-Ping Chung

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Health Problems ◽

Control Group ◽

Mediation Analyses ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

The Relationship

Objective: This randomized controlled trial examined the effect of an intensive experiential workshop based on the Satir growth model (SGM) that aims at cultivating self-transformation. Method: Ninety-six adult participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (52 participants) or the wait-list control group. The role of self-transformation, measured by the Perceived Self-Transformation Scale, in the relationship between affects and mental health problems was examined using mediation analyses. Results: After the workshop, the intervention group demonstrated higher levels of self-transformation (η2 = .308, p < .001), as well as significant improvement ( p < .001) in positive (η2 = .557) and negative (η2 = .293) affects, self-esteem (η2 = .538), spirituality (η2 = .473), and mental health problems (η2 = .386). Importantly, increased self-transformation after the workshop partially mediated the relationship between reduced negative affect and mental health problems in the intervention group (indirect effect: β = 0.163, 95% confidence interval [0.035, 0.343]). Conclusion: Findings of this study suggest that the SGM-based intervention can be effective in ameliorating mental health problems.

Download Full-text

Faculty Opinions recommendation of Treating disturbances in the relationship between mothers with bulimic eating disorders and their infants: a randomized, controlled trial of video feedback.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.13644.471137 ◽

2006 ◽

Author(s):

Rudolf Uher

Keyword(s):

Eating Disorders ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Video Feedback ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

The Relationship

Download Full-text

Boxing vs Sensory Exercise for Parkinson’s Disease: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair ◽

10.1177/15459683211023197 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 154596832110231

Author(s):

Kishoree Sangarapillai ◽

Benjamin M. Norman ◽

Quincy J. Almeida

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Motor Symptoms ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Double Blinded

Background. Exercise is increasingly becoming recognized as an important adjunct to medications in the clinical management of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Boxing and sensory exercise have shown immediate benefits, but whether they continue beyond program completion is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of boxing and sensory training on motor symptoms of PD, and whether these benefits remain upon completion of the intervention. Methods. In this 20-week double-blinded randomized controlled trial, 40 participants with idiopathic PD were randomized into 2 treatment groups, (n = 20) boxing or (n = 20) sensory exercise. Participants completed 10 weeks of intervention. Motor symptoms were assessed at (week 0, 10, and 20) using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III). Data were analyzed using SPSS, and repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted. Results. A significant interaction effect between groups and time were observed F(1, 39) = 4.566, P = .036, where the sensory group improved in comparison to the boxing group. Post hoc analysis revealed that in comparison to boxing, the effects of exercise did not wear off at washout (week 20) P < .006. Conclusion. Future rehabilitation research should incorporate similar measures to explore whether effects of exercise wear off post intervention.

Download Full-text

Adherence to a Lifestyle Exercise and Nutrition Intervention in University Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18147510 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (14) ◽

pp. 7510

Author(s):

Guillermo García Pérez de Sevilla ◽

Olga Barceló Guido ◽

María de la Paz De la Cruz ◽

Ascensión Blanco Fernández ◽

Lidia B. Alejo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Effect Size ◽

Exercise Intervention ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Nutrition Intervention ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Post Intervention ◽

University Employees ◽

Randomized Controlled

Healthy lifestyles should be encouraged in the workplace through the occupational health teams of the companies. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the adherence to a lifestyle intervention carried out in university employees during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on health-related quality of life (HrQoL). A randomized controlled trial following the CONSORT guidelines was performed, consisting of three supervised interventions lasting for 18 weeks: an educational intervention on healthy habits, a nutritional intervention, and a telematic aerobic and strength exercise intervention. Lifestyle and HrQoL were analyzed six months post-intervention to assess adherence. Twenty-three middle-aged participants completed the study. The intervention group significantly improved their lifestyle according to the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II questionnaire, especially in the categories of Health Responsibility, Physical Activity, and Nutrition, with a large effect size. Sitting time was reduced by 2.5 h per day, with a moderate effect size. Regarding HrQoL, the intervention group showed a clinically significant improvement in the Physical Component Summary. Despite the lockdown and the mobility restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this intervention performed on university employees achieved adherence to a healthier lifestyle and improved their HrQoL, which is of great clinical relevance.

Download Full-text