Thank you for your interest in our research study!
The goal of this new study is to see if a mind-body awareness training program can help to alleviate symptoms of depression. Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to either participate in an online intensive body-awareness training or be placed on a waitlist for a free online mindfulness group.
This study will measure brain electrical activity (EEG), heart rate (ECG), skin conductance, and breathing rate during 2 study visits. Each study visit will take place at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, MA and will last about 1 hour. You will also be asked to fill out several questionnaires.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRAINING
Mind-body awareness programs are designed to support individuals’ health and well-being through strengthening the connection between the body and mind. This program will include self-awareness practices, relaxation, mild physical movements, and meditation. The program will occur via live online group visits conducted on Zoom. This program includes some intensive, full-day sessions and some weekly sessions.
The schedule for this intensive training program is listed below:
3-Day Retreat:
Day 1: Friday, March 10th, 9:00am - 5:00pm (lunch break 12:00pm - 2:00pm)
Day 2: Saturday, March 11th, 9:00am - 5:00pm (lunch break 12:00pm - 2:00pm)
Day 3: Sunday, March 12th, 9:00am - 5:00pm (lunch break 12:00pm - 2:00pm)
4 Weekly 2.5 hour Evening Sessions:
Wednesday, March 15th, 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday, March 22th, 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday, March 29nd, 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday, April 5th, 6:30pm - 9:00pm
1-Day Retreat:
Saturday, April 1st, 9:00am - 5:00pm (lunch break 12:00pm - 2:00pm)
If you are assigned to the intensive training group, then all group visits will take place between Friday March 3rd and Wednesday March 29th.
If you are assigned to the waitlist group and complete your study sessions, then you will have free access to register to participate in one live-online 8-week mindfulness course at the CHA Center for Mindfulness and Compassion during 2023 (https://www.chacmc.org/courses) ($650 dollar value).
POTENTIAL BENEFITS:
You may experience some benefits from participating in this program, including:
Feeling community with group members and feeling less alone.
Learning skills to maintain your well-being.
Feeling a reduced need for symptom-relieving medication.
Feeling less depression, anxiety, stress, and pain.
Feeling more compassion, joy and gratitude in daily life.
Better understanding the relationship between your body and mind.
ELIGIBILITY:
To participate in this study, you must meet the following criteria:
Be between the ages of 18 and 60
Have sufficient English fluency to understand procedures and surveys
Be able to provide informed consent
Experience an appropriate level of depression symptoms
Be willing to attend two in-person study visits at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Be willing to complete several self-report questionnaires online via a secure link.
Be willing to attend group training visits online via Zoom for a 5-week intervention period.
COST / PAYMENTS
There will be no cost to you for attending study visits or group visits. All you need to do is to be present for the program and complete the study visits!
Compensation will be based on attendance at study visits, and you may receive up to $200 for participating in this study.
If you fit these requirements and are interested in helping, sign up for the study by filling out the form below and we will reach out to you soon!
