Benefits of a Technology-Delivered Mindfulness Intervention for Psychological Distress and Positive Wellbeing in Depressed College Students: Post-Intervention and Follow-Up Effects from an RCT

IF 3.1 2区心理学 Q2 PSYCHIATRY

Mindfulness Pub Date : 2024-07-29 DOI:10.1007/s12671-024-02398-3

Colleen S. Conley, Carol H. Gonzales, Brynn M. Huguenel, Andrew A. Rauch, Ian J. Kahrilas, Jennifer Duffecy, Rebecca L. Silton

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives

The rate of depression among college students has increased significantly, reducing vitality and ability to flourish. Mindfulness interventions delivered via technological platforms offer great promise for reducing depression symptoms and supporting positive wellbeing outcomes for college students. The present study aimed to understand the broader positive wellbeing outcomes that accompany a reduction in psychological distress following use of a technology-delivered mindfulness intervention.

Methods

Using a randomized controlled treatment design, this study evaluated the benefits of a mindfulness-based mobile application (app), Headspace, on various aspects of wellbeing in depressed college students. Students (n = 145) were randomly assigned to 2 months of app-based intervention or to a waitlist control. Participants completed self-report surveys assessing mental health and wellbeing at pre-intervention, midpoint (1 month), post-intervention (2 months), and follow-up (3 months).

Results

Using intent-to-treat analysis, those randomized to use the app, compared to those on the waitlist, demonstrated a reduction in depression symptoms, and in other indicators of psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, stress, negative affect), over time. Self-reported positive wellbeing outcomes included an increase in positive affect and happiness, enhanced capacity to savor the moment, enhanced compassion, self-regulation, and trait mindfulness. These statistically significant benefits were medium to large in size and lasted into the 1-month follow-up period. Further, students’ patterns of app use point to the critical gap that evidence-based technology-delivered interventions can fill.

Conclusions

Building on previous research, the present study illustrated that a technology-delivered mindfulness intervention comprehensively improved aspects of psychological distress and positive wellbeing in a sustained manner in college students.

Preregistration

This study was registered at OSF, https://osf.io/3trzk.

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通过技术提供的正念干预对抑郁大学生的心理压力和积极幸福感的益处：一项 RCT 的干预后和随访效果

目标大学生的抑郁症发病率大幅上升，降低了他们的活力和发展能力。通过技术平台提供的正念干预为大学生减少抑郁症状和支持积极的幸福结果提供了巨大的希望。本研究旨在了解在使用技术提供的正念干预后，伴随着心理困扰的减轻而产生的更广泛的积极幸福结果。方法本研究采用随机对照治疗设计，评估了基于正念的移动应用程序（App）Headspace 对抑郁症大学生各方面幸福感的益处。学生（n = 145）被随机分配到为期 2 个月的应用程序干预或等待名单对照组。结果通过意向治疗分析，与等待名单上的人相比，被随机分配使用该应用程序的人随着时间的推移，抑郁症状和其他心理困扰指标（如焦虑、压力、负面情绪）均有所减轻。自我报告的积极健康结果包括积极情绪和幸福感的增加、品味当下能力的增强、同情心的增强、自我调节能力的增强以及正念特质的增强。这些在统计上具有重大意义的益处在规模上属于中等到大型，并持续到 1 个月的后续阶段。此外，学生使用应用程序的模式表明，以证据为基础的技术干预可以填补这一关键空白。结论在以往研究的基础上，本研究表明，以技术为基础的正念干预能够以持续的方式全面改善大学生的心理困扰和积极幸福感。预注册本研究已在 OSF 注册，https://osf.io/3trzk。

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来源期刊

Mindfulness Multiple-

CiteScore

6.10

自引率

19.40%

发文量

224

期刊介绍： Mindfulness seeks to advance research, clinical practice, and theory on mindfulness. It is interested in manuscripts from diverse viewpoints, including psychology, psychiatry, medicine, neurobiology, psychoneuroendocrinology, cognitive, behavioral, cultural, philosophy, spirituality, and wisdom traditions. Mindfulness encourages research submissions on the reliability and validity of assessment of mindfulness; clinical uses of mindfulness in psychological distress, psychiatric disorders, and medical conditions; alleviation of personal and societal suffering; the nature and foundations of mindfulness; mechanisms of action; and the use of mindfulness across cultures. The Journal also seeks to promote the use of mindfulness by publishing scholarly papers on the training of clinicians, institutional staff, teachers, parents, and industry personnel in mindful provision of services. Examples of topics include: Mindfulness-based psycho-educational interventions for children with learning, emotional, and behavioral disorders Treating depression and clinical symptoms in patients with chronic heart failure Yoga and mindfulness Cognitive-behavioral mindfulness group therapy interventions Mindfulnessness and emotional regulation difficulties in children Loving-kindness meditation to increase social connectedness Training for parents and children with ADHD Recovery from substance abuse Changing parents’ mindfulness Child management skills Treating childhood anxiety and depression