Attentional and affective consequences of technology supported mindfulness training: a randomised, active control, efficacy trial

• DOI: 10.1186/s40359-016-0168-6
• Publication Date: 2016-11-29T00:23:15Z
• Authors: Sheffy Bhayee; Patricia Tomaszewski; Daniel H. Lee; Graeme Moffat; Lou Pino; Sylvain Moreno; Norman A. S. Farb
• Keywords: Psychological research; Attentional control

Mindfulness training (MT) programs represent an approach to attention with well-validated mental health benefits. However, research supporting MT efficacy is based predominantly on weekly-meeting, facilitator-led, group-intervention formats. It unknown whether participants might benefit from neurofeedback-assisted, technology-supported (N-tsMT), in which meditation delivered individually, without the need for a facilitator, travel site, or presence of supportive group environment. Mirroring validation interventions, first step addressing this question requires identifying N-tsMT promotes measurable Here, we report initial investigation commercial system.In randomized, active control trial, community-dwelling healthy adult carried out 6 weeks daily practice, receiving either (n = 13), condition online math 13). Training effects were assessed target measures and well-being. Participants also completed post-training surveys assessing mood, body awareness, calm, effort, stress.Analysis revealed specific N-tsMT, attentional improvements overall reaction time Stroop task, well-being via reduced somatic symptoms Brief Symptom Inventory. Attention correlated, greatest most neurotic participants. secondary, exploratory did not show training-specific effects. was associated greater awareness initially effort that later converged condition.Preliminary findings indicate modest benefits subjective community sample relative condition. would replication larger sample, more intensive practice comprehensive instruction be required promote broader typically reported format, facilitated MT.Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN43629398 . Retrospectively registered June 16, 2016.