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The effects of two novel gratitude and mindfulness interventions on well-being.

Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)
April 1, 2015
Karen O'Leary et al. (2 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to compare the efficacy of mindfulness and gratitude interventions in reducing depression and stress while increasing happiness levels.

Results Summary

Both mindfulness and gratitude interventions improved depression, stress, and happiness outcomes over time, unlike the wait-list control group, though efficacy differed between the two interventions.

Population

65 women aged 18-46 years (mean age 28.35±6.65 years).

Effective Dosage

Four times a week for 3 weeks (mindfulness diary and Body Scan meditation).

Duration

3 weeks

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (9)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
gratitude intervention
decrease
depression
Sixty-five women aged 18-46 years
-
improved
#1
mindfulness intervention
decrease
depression
Sixty-five women aged 18-46 years
-
improved
#2
gratitude intervention
decrease
stress
Sixty-five women aged 18-46 years
-
improved
#3
mindfulness intervention
decrease
stress
Sixty-five women aged 18-46 years
-
improved
#4
gratitude intervention
increase
happiness
Sixty-five women aged 18-46 years
-
improved
#5
mindfulness intervention
increase
happiness
Sixty-five women aged 18-46 years
-
improved
#6
wait-list control condition
no change
depression
Sixty-five women aged 18-46 years
-
not improved
#7
wait-list control condition
no change
stress
Sixty-five women aged 18-46 years
-
not improved
#8
wait-list control condition
no change
happiness
Sixty-five women aged 18-46 years
-
not improved
#9
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of two dual-component interventions, one based on mindfulness and one based on gratitude, to reduce depression and stress and increase happiness levels. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled study with data collected at baseline, 3 weeks, and 5 weeks. SETTINGS: Participants completed an online gratitude or mindfulness intervention at home. Self-report questionnaires were completed at home or at work. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-five women aged 18-46 years (mean age±standard deviation, 28.35±6.65 years). INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly assigned to a wait-list control condition or to either a gratitude or a mindfulness intervention condition. The interventions were used four times a week for 3 weeks. The gratitude intervention involved a gratitude diary and grateful reflection. The mindfulness intervention involved a mindfulness diary and mindfulness meditation, the Body Scan. OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome variables were depression, stress, and happiness measured by using the Edinburgh Depression Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Subjective Happiness Scale, respectively. RESULTS: All outcome variables improved over time in both interventions group but not in the wait-list control group. Efficacy of the interventions differed between the interventions. CONCLUSIONS: These short novel interventions seem to provide a useful way to enhance well-being. Further research in the area is warranted.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdolescentAdultDepressionEmotionsFemaleHumansMeditationMiddle AgedMindfulnessPsychotherapySelf CareStress, PsychologicalSurveys and QuestionnairesWaiting ListsYoung Adult
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality70/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations39
Citations/Year3.9
Relative Citation Ratio2.26
NIH Percentile78%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.75
Weight Score1.69
Normalized Score0.64
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