RecruitingACTRN12618000670279

A Feasibility Study of An Online Mindful Well-being Course.

An Online Compassion Based Mindfulness Course Impact on University Students Mental Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Sponsor

Murdoch University

Enrollment

237 participants

Start Date

Aug 13, 2018

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Depression Stress Mindfulness Anxiety General psychological well-being

Summary

The current study aims to conduct a primary investigation of the feasibility and effectiveness of an online-based ‘Compassion based mindfulness course’ that is self-directed (low interaction) compared to a highly interactive (collaboratively based) online course on psychological well-being outcomes. The present study aims to address prior methodological issues by evaluating the impact of the online course using an adequately powered parallel randomised controlled trial design to increase well-being in a student sample. Whilst monitoring levels of engagement to determine the effectiveness of the delivery and use of the online space. In addition, assessing the levels of engagement against course completions.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

Many people know that mindfulness — the practice of paying deliberate, non-judgmental attention to the present moment — can reduce stress and improve wellbeing. But when it comes to online mindfulness programs, does it matter how much interaction and collaboration is built into the course? This study at Murdoch University is comparing two versions of an online compassion-based mindfulness course: one that is mostly self-directed (you work through it largely on your own) and one that is highly collaborative (involving group activities and peer interaction). The goal is to find out which approach leads to better wellbeing outcomes for students, and whether engagement with the course affects the results. This will help universities design more effective online mental health programs for their students. You may be eligible if you are a current Murdoch University student aged 18 or older with access to a computer and internet. People with a current diagnosis of a psychiatric condition, a history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis, significant trauma, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts would not be suitable for this study. If you're a Murdoch student looking to develop mindfulness skills and improve your wellbeing, this could be a great opportunity.

This is a simplified summary. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

Print for Your Doctor Check Your Eligibility

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

Participants will consent to be enrolled in an online course that fosters the cultivation of compassion through mindfulness. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the compassion-based mindfulness high interactivity (CBM-H) course or the compassion-based mindfulness course low interactivity (CBM-L). Both courses are modulated into six themes, all surrounding differing components of compassion based interventions (Including; self-kindness, mindfulness, interconnection, self-criticism and dealing with difficult emotions). Each module is estimated to take approximately 2-3 hours per week to complete. Each Module contains a brief overview of the weekly theme, introductions the concept, an activity of surrounding the concept, a mindfulness practice (starting at 10 minutes in module one progressing to 20-25 minutes in module six), reading material (the underlying scientific basis of the theme) and a quiz to check understanding. Participants will be asked to reflect on their practices weekly via. diary entry's (displayed as an online personal blog). Weekly announcements of tips suggesting how to manage to incorporate the weekly compassion based theme into daily activities will be posted to the announcements. Weekly emails introducing the theme, topic and activities of the week will be sent to participants to encourage adherence. Engagement data from the online platform of which the course is hosted will be assessed at the end of the course to assess the levels of engagement, points of drop-out and levels of activity. The metrics consist of, activity reports, logs, engagement analytics, a breakdown of downloads and streaming use and log-in reports. Adherence to the intervention will be monitored as the course is structured in modules, competency tracking of each module is enabled, participants will have to complete a quiz at the end of the module to progress. Participants who do not complete the course in the 6-week duration will be asked to complete a questionnaire surrounding their reason for non-completion. Participants who choose to withdraw from the study will be contacted by the chief investigator and questioned surrounding the reason for withdrawing and if necessary referred to other services. The content in both groups is 100% identical. The only differences in the low and high interactivity group are the online structure of activities. Whereby the activities in the high interactivity group are structured around encouraging collaboration, interactivity and communication between participants. These activity's consist of peer-graded assessments, collaborative brainstorms, response and reply to forums, the creation of glossary, a group blog and reflective forums that are open. The low interactivity groups course is structured as an individually based course. Which will not have the levels of interaction with other students.