Who Fares Best With Mindfulness Meditation
This research wants to understand how mindfulness meditation affects different people. The main goal is to find out why mindfulness helps some people improve their mental health, while others might find it less helpful or even harmful. Researchers are especially interested in how things like past difficult experiences (trauma), feeling disconnected from your body or thoughts (dissociation), and frequent negative thinking might change how mindfulness works. Participants will be adults already enrolled in a mindfulness course. They will fill out questionnaires several times over a few months to track their mood, anxiety, wellbeing, and any side effects. By looking at these results, the study hopes to give us a clearer picture of who mindfulness works best for.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is trying to understand how mindfulness meditation affects different people. You know how one type of exercise might be great for one person but not so good for another? It's a bit like that for mindfulness. Researchers want to find out why mindfulness helps some people feel better, while for others, it might not be as effective or could even cause difficulties. They are especially interested in understanding the 'how' – what actually happens in our minds when we practice mindfulness that helps improve mental health.
They also want to look at specific personal factors that might change how mindfulness works. For example, if someone has had difficult experiences in the past (like trauma), tends to 'switch off' or feel disconnected sometimes (called 'dissociation'), or often has a lot of negative thoughts, how does that affect their mindfulness journey? By looking at these things, the study hopes to give us a better idea of who mindfulness is most helpful for and who might need a different approach.
In simple terms, the goal is to make sure that mindfulness practices can be tailored better to individuals in the future, so more people can get the most benefit from them. It's about finding the right fit for everyone.
Key takeaways
- Study aims to understand individual effects of mindfulness.
- Looks at how trauma, detachment, and negative thinking affect results.
- Participants are adults already doing a mindfulness course.
- Involves filling out questionnaires over about three months.
- Helps inform better mindfulness programs for others in the future.
- Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw anytime.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult who is already signed up for a mindfulness course at one of the participating locations. This means you're already planning to learn and practice mindfulness as part of a group.
You won't be able to take part if you don't speak enough English or Dutch to understand the study materials and questionnaires (depending on where the study is happening). Also, you'll need to have access to the internet, as some of the questionnaires will be completed online.
Essentially, if you're an adult doing a mindfulness course and can easily read and use the internet, you're likely to be suitable for this study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you an adult (18 years or older)?
- Are you currently enrolled in a mindfulness course at a participating clinic?
- Can you understand and read English or Dutch well enough?
- Do you have access to the internet to complete online questionnaires?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be involved for about three months in total. You won't need to take any new medicines or visit a special clinic. Instead, you'll be asked to fill out some questionnaires about your feelings, mood, and overall wellbeing.
You'll complete these questionnaires four times: once before your mindfulness course starts, again about halfway through the course, then at the very end of the course, and finally, three months after the course has finished. Completing these questionnaires should only take a short amount of time each time you do them.
Some people in the study might also be invited for a short chat, like an interview, after their mindfulness course has finished. This would be to talk more about their experiences.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- ZNA StresskliniekVerified postcodeAntwerp, Belgium· Recruiting
- Mindful MeVerified postcodeDeinze, Belgium· Recruiting
- AccEPT clinicVerified postcodeExeter, United Kingdom· Withdrawn
Common questions
What is mindfulness meditation?
Mindfulness meditation is a practice where you focus on the present moment, observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment, to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.
Will I get free mindfulness training?
No, this study is for people who are already enrolled, or plan to enroll, in a mindfulness course at one of the participating sites. The study itself doesn't provide the training.
How long will I be involved in the study?
You'll be involved for about three months in total, from before your mindfulness course starts until three months after it finishes, completing questionnaires at different points.
Do I have to share personal information?
You'll complete questionnaires about your feelings and experiences. All information will be kept private and handled carefully to protect your identity.
What if I feel uncomfortable during the study?
You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why. Your decision will not affect your mindfulness course or your relationship with the clinic.
How to find out more
Filip Raes, Prof. dr.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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