Stress Free UCR: The Impact of 8 Weeks of Headspace on Stress in a Heterogeneous University Employee Cohort
| Status: | Recruiting |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Psychiatric |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - Any |
| Updated: | 10/6/2018 |
| Start Date: | July 13, 2018 |
| End Date: | December 30, 2019 |
| Contact: | Kate Sweeny, PhD |
| Email: | ksweeny@ucr.edu |
| Phone: | 3522629582 |
The aim of this study is to test the effects of a digital meditation intervention in a sample
of high stress UCR employees. We will randomize UCR employees to 8-weeks of either a digital
mindfulness intervention (using the commercially available application Headspace) or a
waitlist control condition.
Participants assigned to the intervention group will be asked to download and use the
Headspace mobile application for 10 minutes per day for 8 weeks. They will be asked to fill
out short (no longer than 30 minutes long) questionnaires at baseline, week 4, week 8 (post
intervention), and a 4-month follow up period. Participants who are randomized to the digital
meditation intervention will also take part in a 1-year follow up. All activities will take
place online (via computer or smartphone), and on the participants' own time.
of high stress UCR employees. We will randomize UCR employees to 8-weeks of either a digital
mindfulness intervention (using the commercially available application Headspace) or a
waitlist control condition.
Participants assigned to the intervention group will be asked to download and use the
Headspace mobile application for 10 minutes per day for 8 weeks. They will be asked to fill
out short (no longer than 30 minutes long) questionnaires at baseline, week 4, week 8 (post
intervention), and a 4-month follow up period. Participants who are randomized to the digital
meditation intervention will also take part in a 1-year follow up. All activities will take
place online (via computer or smartphone), and on the participants' own time.
High levels of psychosocial work-related stress have major implications for both the employee
and the employer. Epidemiological studies consistently demonstrate associations between high
work stress and worse self-reported mental and physical health, including depression,
anxiety, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Job strain, a combination of high demands and low control, is a common model used to define
psychosocial stress at work. Job strain is associated with worse mental and physical health,
including anxiety and depressive disorders and increased blood pressure.
Past studies show the value in mindfulness applications. For example, participants who
completed 25 or more meditation sessions over 8 weeks also had significantly lower
self-measured systolic blood pressure over the course of one day compared to the control
condition participants at the follow-up time point. This trial suggests that almost daily
brief mindfulness meditations delivered via smartphone can improve outcomes related to
workplace stress and well-being, with potentially lasting effects.
In this study, investigators hope to determine if a stress-reduction mindfulness application
is more effective than a waitlist control condition in employees who are experiencing mild to
moderate levels of stress in various health and productivity-related outcomes.
and the employer. Epidemiological studies consistently demonstrate associations between high
work stress and worse self-reported mental and physical health, including depression,
anxiety, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Job strain, a combination of high demands and low control, is a common model used to define
psychosocial stress at work. Job strain is associated with worse mental and physical health,
including anxiety and depressive disorders and increased blood pressure.
Past studies show the value in mindfulness applications. For example, participants who
completed 25 or more meditation sessions over 8 weeks also had significantly lower
self-measured systolic blood pressure over the course of one day compared to the control
condition participants at the follow-up time point. This trial suggests that almost daily
brief mindfulness meditations delivered via smartphone can improve outcomes related to
workplace stress and well-being, with potentially lasting effects.
In this study, investigators hope to determine if a stress-reduction mindfulness application
is more effective than a waitlist control condition in employees who are experiencing mild to
moderate levels of stress in various health and productivity-related outcomes.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Have access to a smartphone or computer every day
- Are fluent in English
- Are a UCR employee
- Have moderate to high levels of stress
- Consent: demonstrates understanding of the study and willingness to participate as
evidenced by voluntary informed consent and has received a signed and dated copy of
the informed consent
- Are at least 18 years of age
Exclusion Criteria:
- Experienced meditator or have participated in a formal meditation practice in the last
6 months (defined as 3-4 times or more per week)
We found this trial at
1
site
900 University Avenue
Riverside, California 92521
Riverside, California 92521
Phone: 352-262-9582
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