A Mindfulness-Based Mobile Health Intervention Improved Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Among University Students in Quarantine During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Researchers from the US and China conducted this randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a mindfulness-based mobile health intervention among university students (N = 114) with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. The intervention was adapted for the pandemic and compared to a mobile social support program. The participants were undergoing quarantine for Covid-19 in China. Compared to the social support program, the mindfulness intervention had a significantly greater effect on anxiety. Both programs improved depressive symptoms. Retention was over 80% in both groups. The mindfulness program was more feasible and acceptable with regard to engagement, evaluation, skills improvement, and perceived benefit. The results of this trial suggested that mobile apps for both mindfulness and social support may reduce distress among university students in quarantine, with mindfulness being more effective in reducing anxiety. The authors concluded that mobile health interventions have the potential for ameliorating some of the psychological consequences of the pandemic.
Sun S, Lin D, Goldberg S, Shen Z, Chen P, Qiao S, Brewer J, Loucks E, Operario D. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 2021 Jul 15.
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