Evaluating the Psychophysiological Effects of a Smartphone-Based Mindfulness Task

Evaluating the Psychophysiological Effects of a Smartphone-Based Mindfulness Task on Individuals With Clinically Significant Symptoms of Chronic Pain, Depression and Anxiety

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the psychophysiological effects of a smart phone based mindfulness meditation app (MMA) for individuals with clinically significant symptoms of major depression and/or anxiety, or symptoms of chronic pain. Specifically, the study aims to examine parasympathetic tone using HRV (primary outcome), mind-wandering and present awareness, mood symptoms, and breath focus in groups of participants who self-report clinically significant symptoms of depression and/or anxiety (DA), chronic pain symptoms (CP), as well as control participants who do not meet our criteria for either (Controls (C). All study groups will be randomized to a mindfulness meditation app (MMA+) condition or a mindfulness meditation condition without the app (MMA-) after a brief stress-induction procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• York University students

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with diagnosed cardiac conditions (e.g. coronary artery disease, arrhythmias etc) will be excluded due to confounds with heart rate variability assessment