Ultra-brief Online Mindfulness-based Intervention During COVID-19 Movement Control Order

Effects of an Ultra-brief Online Mindfulness-based Intervention on Mental Health During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak in Malaysia: A Randomised Controlled Trial

The federal government of Malaysia implemented a nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) to control the COVID-19 outbreak. The MCO, however, has been found to have a negative impact on people's mental wellbeing. Interventions that can improve mental health under restricted movement condition is urgently. The present study investigated the impact of a brief, online mindfulness-based intervention on mental health using two-arm randomized controlled trial design. A total of 161 participants self-reported their feeling, anxiety, psychological insecurity, and well-being at baseline (T1) and post-test (T2), while 61 of them answered the same set of measures and the fear of COVID-19 scale in a follow-up study two weeks later (T3).

We adapted and contextualized the original RAIN protocol to local pandemic-induced lockdown situation, with short journaling prompts that engage participants in self-reflection. Journaling is known to be a creative way to engage people in a therapeutic activity which promotes self-awareness (Utley & Garza, 2011). Creating a visual narration of thoughts, feelings and experiences help individuals make internal experiences more tangible and manageable, especially during these uncertain times.

The control group participants were asked to report preventive measures that they have taken to prevent COVID-19, ways that they obtained Movement Control Order news, and things that they wished to do once the Movement Control Order is lifted.

It was measured at pre-intervention, post-intervention (through intervention completion, on average 10 minutes), and 2-week follow up.

It was being It was measured at pre-intervention, post-intervention (through intervention completion, on average 10 minutes), and 2-week follow up.

It was being It was measured at pre-intervention, post-intervention (through intervention completion, on average 10 minutes), and 2-week follow up.

It was being It was measured at pre-intervention, post-intervention (through intervention completion, on average 10 minutes), and 2-week follow up.

Inclusion Criteria: People residing in Malaysia during the Movement Control Order. Exclusion Criteria: People who are unable to read or write in either Malay, English or Mandarin languages.