Assessing MB-Spirit: A Novel Intervention for Promoting Spiritual Development and Psychological Well-being
Sara W Lazar
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a new behavioral intervention, MB-Spirit, can improve well-being in stressed adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Can MB-Spirit improve well-being? 2. What brain changes accompany participation in MB-Spirit? Participants will: 1. Be enrolled in an online course that meets for two hours every week for 8-weeks. 2. Complete questionnaires before and after the course. 3. Complete an MRI scan of their brain before and after the course. Participants will be randomized to either take the course right away, or be put on a wait-list. Those on the wait-list will undergo the testing at 2 timepoints before they start the program.
Description
Forty-four individuals with high stress will be randomized 1:1, stratified by sex, to either MB-SPIRIT or wait-list. Participants will receive daily email with a link to a REDCap database to record minutes of formal meditation practice. Pre and post testing will occur within a 21-day testing period before or after the intervention. We will assess changes in spiritual well-being (Primary outcome), mindfulness, and use of character/virtue strengths (secondary outcomes). Changes in clinical symptoms will be explored. Participants will also complete a structured interview to assess developmental s…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Understands English * Able to attend all 8 classes * Able to travel to Boston for MRI scans Exclusion Criteria: * claustrophobia, pregnancy, head trauma, metallic implants or devices contraindicating MRI, left-handed, conditions that alter cerebral blood flow or metabolism (e.g. stroke), current use of psychotropic medications, lifetime history of suicidality, homicidally, self-destructive acts, schizophrenia or psychosis.
Interventions
- BehavioralMB-Spirit
8-week online course that uses character strengths and mindfulness to promote well-being. Based on 3-part model of spirituality
Locations (2)
- 149 13th StBoston, Massachusetts
- Charlestown Navy Yard CampusBoston, Massachusetts