Actively Recruiting
Assessing MB-Spirit for Spiritual Development and Psychological Well-being in Adults with Stress
Led by Sara W Lazar · Updated on 2026-03-20
44
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
S
Sara W Lazar
Lead Sponsor
H
Harvard Medical School (HMS and HSDM)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating MB-Spirit, a new behavioral intervention designed to improve well-being in adults experiencing high stress. This study aims to determine if MB-Spirit can enhance spiritual well-being and mindfulness, and to observe accompanying brain changes. The trial involves a randomized comparison between the MB-Spirit program and a wait-list group, assessing psychological and brain function outcomes. Participants are randomly assigned to either an 8-week online MB-Spirit course that meets weekly for two hours or a wait-list group. MB-Spirit combines mindfulness practices with character strengths to promote well-being. Those in the intervention group will receive daily emails to log meditation minutes and undergo brain scans before and after the course. The wait-list group completes testing at two timepoints before starting the program. During the study, participants complete questionnaires, brain MRI scans including functional scans during guided meditation, and structured interviews to assess developmental stage. They rate spiritual experiences during scanning and describe these afterward. Researchers measure changes in spiritual well-being, mindfulness, and character strengths, as well as clinical symptoms. Participation involves attending weekly classes, completing surveys, and traveling for MRI scans, with the trial lasting about 8 weeks plus pre- and post-testing.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Assessing MB-Spirit for Psychological Well-being
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Understands English
- Able to attend all 8 classes
- Able to travel to Boston for MRI scans
- Age between 18 and 50 years
You will not qualify if you...
- Claustrophobia
- Pregnancy
- Head trauma
- Metallic implants or devices contraindicating MRI
- Left-handed
- Conditions altering cerebral blood flow or metabolism (e.g., stroke)
- Current use of psychotropic medications
- Lifetime history of suicidality, homicidality, or self-destructive acts
- History of schizophrenia or psychosis
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants randomized to the MB-Spirit group complete an 8-week online course combining mindfulness with character strengths to promote well-being. Participants in both groups record daily meditation practice via emails and REDCap database.
Daily recording through online platform; MRI scans before and after the course for MB-Spirit group
Duration - Up to 3 weeks
Participants complete pre- and post-testing within a 21-day period before or after the intervention, including structured interviews and questionnaires assessing spiritual well-being, mindfulness, and clinical symptoms.
Pre- and post-testing visits; MRI scans before and after intervention for MB-Spirit group
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
149 13th St
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02129
Actively Recruiting
2
Charlestown Navy Yard Campus
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02129
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sara Lazar, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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