Efficacy of a mindfulness-based programme with and without virtual reality support to reduce stress in university students: A randomized controlled trial

Modrego-Alarcón, Marta (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; López-del-Hoyo, Yolanda (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; García-Campayo, Javier (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Pérez-Aranda, Adrián ; Navarro-Gil, Mayte (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Beltrán-Ruiz, María ; Morillo, Héctor (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Delgado-Suarez, Irene ; Oliván-Arévalo, Rebeca ; Montero-Marin, Jesús

Resumen: Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of a mindfulness-based programme (MBP) for reducing stress in university students and its action mechanisms and to explore the capacity of virtual reality (VR) exposure to enhance adherence to the intervention. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) involved assessment time points of baseline, posttreatment, and 6-month follow-up. A total of 280 students from two Spanish universities were randomly assigned to ‘MBP’, ‘MBP + VR’, or ‘Relaxation’ (active controls). Perceived stress posttreatment was the primary outcome; wellbeing and academic functional outcomes were assessed as well. Multilevel mixed-effects models were performed to estimate the efficacy of the programme. Results: Both ‘MBP’ (B = -2.77, d = -0.72, p = .006) and ‘MBP + VR’ (B = -2.44, d = -0.59, p = .014) were superior to ‘Relaxation’ in improving stress, as well as most of the secondary outcomes, with medium-to-large effects posttreatment and at follow-up. The long-term effects of MBPs on stress were mediated by mindfulness and self-compassion in parallel. Treatment adherence was improved in the ‘MBP + VR’ group, with higher retention rates and session attendance (p < .001). Conclusions: This RCT supports the efficacy of an MBP compared to relaxation for reducing stress in university students through mindfulness and self-compassion as mechanisms of change. VR exposure may enhance treatment adherence.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2021.103866

Año: 2021

Publicado en: Behaviour Research and Therapy 142 (2021), 103866 [16 pp.]
ISSN: 0005-7967

Factor impacto JCR: 5.321 (2021)

Categ. JCR: PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL rank: 27 / 131 = 0.206 (2021) - Q1 - T1

Factor impacto CITESCORE: 6.9 - Medicine (Q1) - Psychology (Q1)

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 2.022 - Clinical Psychology (Q1) - Psychiatry and Mental Health (Q1) - Developmental and Educational Psychology (Q1)

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/B17-17R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/ISCIII/CD20-00181
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/ISCIII/RD16-0007-0005
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MECD/FPU15-00598

Tipo y forma: Article (PostPrint)

Área (Departamento): Área Psicología Básica (Dpto. Psicología y Sociología)
Área (Departamento): Area Psiquiatría (Dpto. Medicina, Psiqu. y Derm.)
Área (Departamento): Área Psicolog.Evolut.Educac (Dpto. Psicología y Sociología)