Research Update

Single-session interventions (SSIs) are a potential means of expanding access to mindfulness programs. This randomized clinical trial evaluated a mindfulness-based single-session intervention. A total of 91 adults were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) one-hour mindfulness only telehealth intervention; (b) one-hour mindfulness and compassion telehealth intervention; or (c) one-week waitlist control (before randomization to an active intervention). The primary outcome was self-reported loneliness; secondary outcomes were self-reported perceived stress, depression, and anxiety. Compared to the waitlist-control group, the inclusion of a compassion component led to significant reductions in perceived stress b = -3.75, 95% HDI [-6.95, -0.59], anxiety b = -3.79, 95% HDI [-6.99, -0.53], and depression b = -3.01, 95% HDI [-5.22, -0.78], but not loneliness at one-week follow-up. There were smaller, non-significant improvements in these outcomes for the mindfulness alone intervention, and there were no significant differences between the mindfulness alone and mindfulness plus compassion intervention for any outcomes. These results suggest that a single-session mindfulness and compassion intervention may lead to meaningful improvements in stress and psychological well-being.

Rubin M, Fischer CM, Telch MJ.  Plos One. Published: March 13, 2024 doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.029930