RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07692269

Mindfulness Intervention for Emotional Distress: An EEG Study

Effects and Multimodal EEG Mechanisms of an 8-week Mindfulness Intervention for Emotional Distress: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sponsor

Peking University

Enrollment

160 participants

Start Date

Jul 4, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Psychological Depression Anxiety Stress (Psychology)Emotional Distress

Summary

This is a randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy and neural mechanisms of a standardized Mindfulness Intervention for Emotional Distress (MIED) in adults with subclinical emotional distress. One hundred and sixty participants will be randomly assigned to either an 8-week MIED program or an 8-week Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) active control. The primary aim is to evaluate whether MIED reduces anxiety symptoms and reshapes multilevel emotional processing as measured by multimodal EEG (resting-state FAA/theta, Fast Periodic Visual Stimulation, and event-related potentials). Assessments occur at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and 1-month follow-up.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 50 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a behavioral approach called MIED and a behavioral approach called PMR for people with anxiety, depression, and other related conditions. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location. People eligible for this study include aged 18 Years to 50 Years.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALMIED

A standardized 8-week transdiagnostic mindfulness intervention (MIED) based on the Unified Protocol and contemporary mindfulness theory. Participants attend weekly 2.5-hour group sessions and complete daily 15-minute home practice via a mobile app (iMIED). Core practices include mindful breathing, body scan, mindful walking, and loving-kindness meditation. The program emphasizes four key strategies: engagement with life, distress tolerance, cognitive flexibility, and emotion-driven behavioral regulation. All sessions follow a structured manual to ensure fidelity.

BEHAVIORALPMR

A structured 8-week Progressive Muscle Relaxation program matched to MIED in frequency, duration, and format. Participants attend weekly 2.5-hour group sessions and complete daily 15-minute audio-guided home practice. The program progresses from systematic tension-release of major muscle groups to full-body relaxation, controlling for non-specific therapeutic factors (group support, time, expectancy). All sessions are manualized to ensure consistent delivery.