A Randomised Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effects of a Mindfulness Smartphone App on Well-being in the Workplace

A Randomised Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effects of the Headspace Mindfulness Smartphone App on Psychological Well-being and Biological Indicators of Stress in the Workplace

We propose a randomised controlled trial in a workplace setting to investigate whether a smartphone-delivered programme of mindfulness meditation influences psychological and biological indicators of well-being.

We hypothesise that after 8 weeks participants who complete the meditation programme will show increases in psychological well-being and reduced activation of stress-related biological pathways.

Mindfulness-based therapies can reduce depressive symptoms in patients and healthy subjects. Therapies such as MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction) typically consist of 8 group sessions led by an experienced practitioner, plus home practice and one full day of meditation. In this study we aim to investigate whether a mindfulness programme delivered as a series of podcasts on a mobile phone app could lead to gains in well-being and a reduction in stress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Employees of a UK high-tech company
• Raised levels of work stress (overcommitment>2) or depression (CESD>1)

Exclusion Criteria:

• treated for anxiety, depression or hypertension
• taking medication containing steroids