Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Effects on Anxiety and Stress

Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Effects on Anxiety and Stress

Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Anxiety and Stress Reduction Within College Students

To understand the potential effectiveness of a 4 week Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy intervention delivered using a smartphone application for reducing anxiety and stress within college students.

The objective of this project is to understand the potential effectiveness of a 4 week Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy intervention delivered using a smartphone application for reducing anxiety and stress within college students. Although in-person mindfulness-based cognitive therapy approaches have been found effective for reducing anxiety and stress; given the pervasiveness of anxiety and stress in this population, there is a need to provide alternative and accessible interventions to improve students' mental health. One such approach may be by leveraging existing tools such Sanvello - a free mindfulness-based cognitive therapy smartphone application - which could more easily be deployed across a broader population. Accordingly, using a cluster-randomized controlled design, this intervention will assess the extent to which 4-weeks of using the Sanvello application was effective for reducing anxiety and stress within college students.

Cluster randomized allocation to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy intervention or positive control intervention.

The control experimental group received training on the utilization of mindfulness-based stress reduction breathing techniques. Participants were instructed to set a timer for 5 minutes in order to engage in mindfulness breathing. Comprehensive instructions were provided during the initial laboratory time, elucidating the method by which participants were to direct their attention towards their breath. Moreover, participants were encouraged to cultivate a non-judgmental attitude when confronted with potential distractions and to subsequently redirect their focus back to their breathing. Participants were advised to integrate this technique into their daily lives as a means to alleviate anxiety and stress.

The active experimental group received a mindfulness based cognitive therapy through the Sanvello smartphone application. Participants were encouraged to practice mindfulness daily through the application program "Braving Anxiety," which consisted of 35 modules. The anxiety management program consists of 1) Watch, 2) Read, 3) Listen, 4) Plan, 5) Listen - Mindfulness practice.

Participants were instructed to practice mindfulness daily using their instructed approaches for a period of 4 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria: Enrolled in course Exclusion Criteria: Complete inattendance in course during the pretest and study period. Opted out of data being available for research use

Data sharing will be by request and approval of the Michigan State University Human Research Protections Program with the provision of a data-safety and sharing agreement. No individually identifiable information will be shared.