Overview
The overall purpose of this study is to help determine how best to incorporate small amounts of human and digital support into a meditation app. The meditation app used is the Healthy Minds Program (HMP) which provides training in four pillars of well-being (Awareness, Connection, Insight, Purpose) through a combination of podcast-style didactic material and guided meditation practices.
Description
Participants will be randomly assigned to various support conditions that vary across three binary factors,
- Coaching session vs no coaching
- On-demand email support (Yes/No)
- Microsupport messages (Yes/No)
Participants will be screened for eligibility using a web-based screener that assesses inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible participants will receive a study overview and will have the option to go through an online consent process. After giving consent, participant will receive a text message to assess their ability to receive text messages and tab on a link embedded in the text message. Those who failed to go through this process will be screened out.
Participants consented will complete a baseline survey consisting of a series of questionnaires and daily check-in assessment sent to their phone. Only those who successfully complete the baseline survey and the first daily check-in survey will advance in the study. Participants will schedule a meeting with our study staff member after completing the baseline survey and first daily check-in survey. They will be assessed through questionnaires at baseline, weekly during the 4-week intervention period, and at 6-month follow-up. They will also complete daily check-in survey twice a day throughout the intervention.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Elevated symptoms of depression and/or anxiety (PHQ-9 greater than or equal to 10, GAD-7 greater than or equal to 10)
- Proficiency in English
- Access to a smartphone and internet
- Ability to receive text messages
Exclusion Criteria:
- Non-US citizen or legal resident (green card holder)
- History of psychosis or mania
- Suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm indicated by PHQ9 item 9 and BDI item 9
- Individuals who do not provide the information required for GUID generation
- Previous participation
