The Feasibility and Efficacy of an Extremely Brief Mindfulness Practice

This study will assess the efficacy of brief mindfulness practices on improving mental health in adults who are currently in treatment for mental health concerns. From online instructional videos, each participant will learn a thirty-second or three-minute mindfulness practice that is to be performed at least three times daily over two weeks.

Mindfulness meditation and mindfulness-based therapies have been shown to improve many aspects of psychological functioning in individuals with mental health problems. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in improving mental health of brief mindfulness practices in adults currently in treatment for mental health concerns. The entire study will be administered online. From online instructional videos, each participant will learn a thirty-second or three-minute mindfulness practice that is to be performed at least three times daily over two weeks. A delayed-treatment control group will begin the intervention after a two-week waiting period.

Participants receive daily email surveys for two weeks before being given access to the brief-mindfulness-practice training materials.

Participants watch a ten minute mindfulness training video then are given electronic access to an audio recording of guidance for a thirty-second mindfulness meditation practice. Participants are asked to complete this practice using the audio-recorded guidance at least three times a day for two weeks. Participants are sent daily emails that include reminders to complete the practice and a link to a brief online survey.

Participants watch a ten minute mindfulness training video then are given electronic access to an audio recording of guidance for a three minute mindfulness meditation practice. Participants are asked to complete this practice using the audio-recorded guidance at least three times a day for two weeks. Participants are sent daily emails that include reminders to complete the practice and a link to a brief online survey.

Change in trait mindfulness as measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (Baer et al. 2006)

Change in perceived stress as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen, Kamarck, & Mermelstein, 1983)

Change in anxiety symptoms as measured by the GAD-7, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams, & Löwe, 2006)

Change in mood as measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988)

Change in quality of life as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (Ware & Sherbourne, 1992)

Change in depression symptoms as measured by the PHQ-8, Patient Health Questionnaire - depression module (Spitzer, Kroenke, & Williams, 1999)

Change in empathy as measured by the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Davis, 1980) and four questions adapted from Hawk, Fischer and Van Kleef, (2011)

Change in perspective taking as measured by questions adapted from Hawk, Fischer and Van Kleef, (2011)

Inclusion Criteria: Regular internet access Able to listen to audio files Currently receiving outpatient care No change in type of psychotherapy during the past month If taking medications, a stable, unchanging prescription for the previous month Willingness to sign release of mental health care information Capacity to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Does not speak and read English

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