Mindfulness program for undergraduates with depression and anxiety
Acceptability and Feasibility of an 8-week In-person Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Program in a University Population: a Quasi-experimental Pilot Study
This study is testing an 8-week mindfulness program to see if it helps college students in Chile who are dealing with mild to moderate depression and anxiety feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidad de los Andes, Chile Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06757842 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This program aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility of an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) intervention specifically designed for undergraduate students experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms and anxiety. Participants will attend weekly 90-minute sessions and practice mindfulness exercises at home for at least 15 minutes daily. The study focuses on addressing the mental health crisis among university students, particularly in Chile, where limited research exists on this topic. By evaluating the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions, the study seeks to provide valuable insights into improving student mental health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are undergraduate students at Universidad de los Andes, aged 18 or older, who can read and speak Spanish and have mild to moderate depressive symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with severe depression, active suicidality, or those currently undergoing psychiatric treatment for severe conditions may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce depressive symptoms and anxiety among university students, enhancing their overall well-being and academic performance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that mindfulness-based interventions can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in university settings, suggesting a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Undergraduate students at the Universidad de los Andes. * Aged 18 or older. * Capable of reading and speaking Spanish. * With a score on the PHQ-9 depression scale between 0 and 14. * Have participated in an informational meeting about the study and the implications of the intervention. * Availability to attend 1 weekly session of 90 minutes for 8 consecutive weeks, and time to practice mindfulness exercises at home for at least 15 minutes daily during the intervention period. Exclusion Criteria: * With a PHQ-9 score greater than or equal to 15. * With active suicidality, defined as score ≥ 3 in Columbia suicide severity scale. * Currently undergoing psychiatric treatment for a severe condition, understood as: psychotic disorders and/or substance abuse. * History of hospitalization for psychiatric conditions in the last 2 years. * History of having participated in a previous MBI course, such as: MBCT, MBSR, MMB, among others. * History of sexual abuse in their lifetime.
Where this trial is running
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan
- Universidad de los Andes — Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan, Chile (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jorge E Gaete, MD, PhD
- Email: jgaete@uandes.cl
- Phone: +56226181000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.