Overview

This study investigates the efficacy of MBSR training in alleviating stress-related symptoms among individuals with high sensory processing sensitivity. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the MBSR group or the control group.

The primary hypothesis is that participants in the MBSR group, relative to control group, will have lower depression-anxiety-stress scores post-intervention, after controlling for baseline scores. The secondary hypothesis is that in the MBSR group, relative to control group, other mental health, physical health and well-being outcomes, as well as potential mindfulness mechanisms will also improve, after controlling for baseline scores.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participant has high sensory processing sensitivity (screened for by the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) with a mean score of ≥4.4)
• Participant is 18 years or older
• Participant is proficient in Dutch
• Participant lives near the location where the MBSR training takes place (up to about 30km from Nijmegen)
• Participant is able to travel to location of the MBSR training for all sessions
• Participant is available on the scheduled times of the MBSR sessions (or not available for one session with exception of the silent day)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participant has a severe psychological condition (e.g. psychotic or suicidal)
• Participant has followed mindfulness or meditation training (~eight-week program) within the previous five years