Actively Recruiting
Examining Dose-Response Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Psychological Wellbeing: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by University of Melbourne · Updated on 2025-03-30
860
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how different daily lengths of mindfulness meditation affect psychological wellbeing in healthy adults who have little or no prior meditation experience. This randomized controlled trial compares the effects of larger doses of mindfulness training to smaller doses over a 28-day period, aiming to see if longer meditation times lead to greater improvements and how engagement varies by dose. The study is led by the University of Melbourne and includes participants aged 18 to 65. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or 30 minutes of guided mindfulness meditation per day, or a minimal dose of 3-4 minutes daily. The meditation is delivered through daily audio recordings as part of a newly developed 28-day program. Participants are encouraged to avoid other formal mindfulness practices during the study except informal daily life practice. The study has three main phases: a run-in period, the 28-day intervention, and a follow-up period. During the trial, participants will complete surveys and self-reported measures at baseline, mid-intervention (2 weeks), post-intervention (4 weeks), and at a follow-up 2 months after starting. Researchers will monitor adherence, meditation experiences, and any adverse events. Outcomes measured include psychological wellbeing, distress, anxiety, depression, mindfulness traits, emotional regulation, social anxiety, and sleep quality. The total participation involves regular assessments and daily meditation practice over the study period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Dose-Response Effects of Mindfulness Meditation
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Reside in Australia with no plans to relocate or travel overseas during the intervention period
- Sufficient English comprehension to complete study measures
- Register for an account and agree to the study's Terms and Conditions
- If experiencing moderate anxiety or depression, agree to continue routine medical treatment and seek additional help if symptoms worsen
- Little or no meditation experience (less than 25 hours in past 6 months and never attended a multi-day mindfulness course)
- Age between 18 and 65 years
You will not qualify if you...
- Current or lifetime serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma-related, dissociative, or personality disorders
- Severe anxiety or depression symptoms
- Severe psychological distress
- High scores on mania, suicidal ideation, psychosis, repetitive thoughts or behaviors, or dissociation screening
- Moderate use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
- Diagnosis of neurological conditions like traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, or stroke
- Presence of serious medical conditions such as cancer, thyroid disorder, or multiple sclerosis
- Recent bereavement or major loss
- History of untreated traumatic experiences or adverse childhood events
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or online) for screening and enrollment
Duration - Up to 1 week
Participants begin preliminary activities before the intervention starts to establish baseline measures and prepare for the meditation program.
Baseline assessments at start
Duration - 28 days
Participants engage in daily guided mindfulness meditation practices of varying durations depending on their assigned group.
Daily meditation practice with self-reported assessments at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4
Duration - 4 weeks after intervention
Participants complete follow-up assessments to evaluate the lasting effects of the mindfulness meditation program.
1 follow-up assessment at 8 weeks post-randomization
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Contemplative Studies Centre, The University of Melbourne
Carlton, Victoria, Australia
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
N
Nicholas T Van Dam, PhD
N
Nicholas I Bowles
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
4
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