Web-Based Intervention in Mindfulness Meditation for Reducing Residual Depressive Symptoms and Relapse Prophylaxis: A Qualitative Study

• DOI: 10.2196/jmir.3129
• Publication Date: 2014-03-24T10:27:35Z
• Authors: Jennifer M Boggs; Arne Beck; Jennifer N Felder; Sona Dimidjian; Christina A Metcalf; Zindel V Segal
• Keywords: Mindfulness meditation; Relapse prevention

Background: Mindful Mood Balance (MMB) is a Web-based intervention designed to treat residual depressive symptoms and prevent relapse. MMB was deliver the core concepts of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), group treatment, which, despite its strong evidence base, faces number dissemination challenges. Objective: The present study qualitative investigation participants' experiences with MMB. Methods: Qualitative content analysis conducted via 38 exit interviews participants. Study inclusion required current PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) score ≤12 lifetime history ≥1 major episode. Feedback obtained on specific website components, program content, administration as well skills learned. Results: Codes were assigned interview responses organized into four main themes: MBCT Web process, home practice, concept comprehension. Within these areas, participants highlighted advantages obstacles translating delivering in format. Adding increased support suggested for troubleshooting session managing time challenges completing mindfulness practice. Participants endorsed developing affect regulation identified several delivery including flexibility, reduced cost, commitment. Conclusions: These findings viability providing online are consistent prior accounts derived from in-person groups. While there certainly room innovation domains engagement, high levels participant satisfaction indicated that can significantly increase access evidence-based psychological treatments sub-threshold unipolar affective disorder.