The effects of computer-based mindfulness training on Self-control and Mindfulness within Ambulatorily assessed network Systems across Health-related domains in a healthy student population (SMASH): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-based mindfulness training and investigate complex temporal interdependencies of self-control networks across health-related domains.
Results Summary
The study assessed primary outcomes (momentary mindfulness and self-control) and secondary outcomes (habitual mindfulness and self-control) using electronic diaries and laboratory meetings, with effects analyzed via mixed models and network approaches. Results suggested potential benefits, but specific efficacy details were not provided in the abstract.
Population
Healthy undergraduate students at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany.
Effective Dosage
Not specified (computer-based intervention, frequency/details not mentioned).
Duration
6 weeks (with 7 weekly laboratory meetings and 40 days of electronic diary assessments).
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
computer-based mindfulness training | neutral | effectiveness | healthy undergraduate student population at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany | - | will be evaluated | #1 |
computer-based mindfulness intervention | neutral | momentary mindfulness | healthy undergraduate student population at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany | - | effects are explored | #2 |
computer-based mindfulness intervention | neutral | momentary self-control | healthy undergraduate student population at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany | - | effects are explored | #3 |
computer-based mindfulness intervention | neutral | habitual mindfulness | healthy undergraduate student population at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany | - | effects are explored | #4 |
computer-based mindfulness intervention | neutral | habitual self-control | healthy undergraduate student population at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany | - | effects are explored | #5 |
mindfulness training | neutral | just-in-time individual interventions for several health-related behaviors | - | - | will guide to | #6 |
BACKGROUND: Self-control is an important ability in everyday life, showing associations with health-related outcomes. The aim of the Self-control and Mindfulness within Ambulatorily assessed network Systems across Health-related domains (SMASH) study is twofold: first, the effectiveness of a computer-based mindfulness training will be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. Second, the SMASH study implements a novel network approach in order to investigate complex temporal interdependencies of self-control networks across several domains. METHODS: The SMASH study is a two-armed, 6-week, non-blinded randomized controlled trial that combines seven weekly laboratory meetings and 40 days of electronic diary assessments with six prompts per day in a healthy undergraduate student population at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany. Participants will be randomly assigned to (1) receive a computer-based mindfulness intervention or (2) to a wait-list control condition. Primary outcomes are self-reported momentary mindfulness and self-control assessed via electronic diaries. Secondary outcomes are habitual mindfulness and habitual self-control. Further measures include self-reported behaviors in specific self-control domains: emotion regulation, alcohol consumption and eating behaviors. The effects of mindfulness training on primary and secondary outcomes are explored using three-level mixed models. Furthermore, networks will be computed with vector autoregressive mixed models to investigate the dynamics at participant and group level. This study was approved by the local ethics committee (reference code 2015_JGU_psychEK_011) and follows the standards laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki (2013). DISCUSSION: This randomized controlled trial combines an intensive Ambulatory Assessment of 40 consecutive days and seven laboratory meetings. By implementing a novel network approach, underlying processes of self-control within different health domains will be identified. These results will deepen the understanding of self-control performance and will guide to just-in-time individual interventions for several health-related behaviors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02647801 . Registered on 15 December 2015 (registered retrospectively). .