The effects of an online brief mindfulness activities training on the psychological functioning of medical officers : a pilot study
Year: 2021
Type: dissertation
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Empirical evidence suggested that psychological interventions can be successfully delivered \nonline. Medical officers are under high levels of stress as the main frontliners managing the \nCOVID-19 pandemic alongside their day-to-day roles, family obligations, and research work. \nThis study aimed to examine whether a brief mindfulness activities training for medical officers \nimprove outcomes for depression, anxiety, stress and mindfulness. A randomized, controlled \ntrial (RCT) was conducted at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia where participants were \nrandomly assigned to one of four groups of (1) low frequency intervention group (daily session \nover a week), (2) medium frequency intervention group (daily session over two weeks), (3) \nhigh frequency intervention group (daily session over three weeks) or (4) the control group. \nOutcome measures included the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the \nMindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Of the 22 participants, an increase in \nmindfulness, as measured by the MAAS, was found in the intervention group (p = 0.002). \nThere was also a reduction in depression levels (p = 0.01) as measured by the DASS-21. The \nincrease in mindfulness was observed in the low frequency and high frequency group, while \nthe reduction of depression levels could not be observed between frequency groups. \nParticipants self-reported increased relaxation and stress reduction. This study provides \ninsights into the feasibility and acceptability of an online, brief mindfulness activities training \nfor medical officers. Findings will inform the future design and implementation of larger \nstudies.
Author: Ailing, Evelyn Ngui
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7046784051