Abstract
Objective
To compare the effect of a mindfulness-based mobile application versus an in-person mindfulness-based training program in terms of reducing anxiety and increasing empathy, self-compassion, and mindfulness in a population of healthcare students.
Methods
The authors conducted a single-blind, randomised controlled trial with three parallel groups. Participants were allocated to the mobile app, the in-person mindfulness-based program (IMBP), or a control group. Assessments at baseline and postintervention (8 weeks) included measures of anxiety, empathy, self-compassion, and mindfulness.
Results
Of 168 students randomised, 84 were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis (app: n = 31; IMBP: n = 23; control: n = 30). The mobile app group showed a large effect size for reductions in trait anxiety compared with controls (g = 0.85, p = 0.003), and a medium, nonsignificant effect compared with the IMBP group (g = 0.52, p = 0.152). Participants from both interventions experienced a significant increase in self-compassion and mindfulness compared with controls. Levels of empathy remained unchanged for the 3 arms.
Conclusions
A mobile app can be as effective as an IMBP in reducing anxiety and increasing self-compassion and mindfulness among healthcare students.
Authors’ contributions
Both CB and BRV designed, elaborated, and coordinated the research project. AOD, VL, and JG collected data. AOD co-wrote the drafts with CB, BRV, and RM. RM analyzed the data. MFBO participated in the initial steps setting up the online assessment platform. AM and AP delivered the in-person program. All the authors have contributed to the drafts and given final approval to the paper.
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank Sara Arribas, Álvaro Revuelta, Adrián Paredes, and Maria Boufounas for their contribution to the collection of the data, as well as the User Service Centre of the Autonomous University of Madrid for helping to design the online assessment platform. They also wish to thank the participants for their dedication to the study.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.
Ethical approval
The Research Ethics Committee of La Paz University Hospital approved the trial (identifier 3053) and the protocol is available in www.clinicaltrials.gov (identifier NCT03712319). All participants signed an informed consent and the ethical considerations from the Declaration of Helsinki (1964) were followed.
Glossary
Self-compassion: Being kind rather than harshly critical toward oneself, perceiving one’s experiences as part of the larger human experience, and holding painful feelings in mindful awareness.
Neff K. 2003. Self-compassion: an alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self Identity. 2(2):85–101.
Notes
1 ω2 = (df(F-1))/(df(F-1) + N)
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Álvaro Orosa-Duarte
Álvaro Orosa-Duarte, MD, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain.
Roberto Mediavilla
Roberto Mediavilla, PhD, Psychiatry and Mental Health Group, La Paz University Hospital Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain. National University of Distance Education (UNED), Madrid, Spain.
Ainoa Muñoz-Sanjose
Ainoa Muñoz-Sanjose, MD, PhD, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. Psychiatry and Mental Health Group, La Paz University Hospital Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain.
Ángela Palao
Ángela Palao, MD, PhD, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain. Psychiatry and Mental Health Group, La Paz University Hospital Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain.
Joaquín Garde
Joaquín Garde, MD, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain.
Vera López-Herrero
Vera López-Herrero, MD, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain.
María-Fe Bravo-Ortiz
María-Fe Bravo-Ortiz, MD, PhD, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain. Psychiatry and Mental Health Group, La Paz University Hospital Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain.
Carmen Bayón
Carmen Bayón, MD, PhD, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain. Psychiatry and Mental Health Group, La Paz University Hospital Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain.
Beatriz Rodríguez-Vega
Beatriz Rodríguez-Vega, MD, PhD, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain. Psychiatry and Mental Health Group, La Paz University Hospital Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain.