Effect of an online mindfulness program on stress in Indian adults during COVID-19 pandemic
Year: 2022
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: The Indian population is suffering from a high prevalence of mental stress and the situation has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mindfulness, which can also be conducted online, has been used as a stress-relieving therapy in the Western world. There is not much experience with mindfulness in the Indian population. The COVID-19 pandemic demands the development of alternative therapies which can reach out to the masses at a minimal cost, avoiding direct personal contact. The researchers wanted to explore the potential of mindfulness as a stress-relieving therapy. Aim: To note any improvement in perceived stress of the participants compared to the controls. Methods: = 38 (group C). The perceived stress was measured using the perceived stress scale before and after the program. Qualitative data was collected in the form of written responses to the question "Which aspect of mindfulness meditation appealed to you the most for stress relief?" and some themes were formed. Results: There was a significant decrease in perceived stress scale scores on completion of the program in group M. "Positive mental state" and "non-judgmental" were the most prominent emergent themes suggested by the participants, as per the qualitative data analysis. Conclusion: This preliminary study sees potential in an online mindfulness program as an alternative stress-relieving therapy. Further research is suggested to substantiate the results and optimize the implementation.
Source: Indian Journal of Psychiatry
Authors: Anirban Pal, Purnava Mukhopadhyay, Soma Datta, Nidhi Dawar Pal
Institution: Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4285413097