A pilot randomized controlled trial for a videoconference-delivered mindfulness-based group intervention in a nonclinical setting

Technology is increasingly being integrated into the provision of therapy and mental health interventions. While the evidence base for technology-led delivery of mindfulness-based interventions is growing, one approach to understanding the effects of technology-delivered elements includes so-named blended programs that continue to include aspects of traditional face-to-face interaction. This arrangement offers unique practical advantages, and also enables researchers to isolate variables that may be underlying the effects of technology-delivered interventions. The present study reports on a pilot videoconference-delivered mindfulness-based group intervention offered to university students and staff members with wait-list controls. Apart from the first session of the six-week course, the main facilitator guided evening classes remotely via online videoconferencing, with follow-up exercises via email. Participants Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation were taught a variety of mindfulness-based exercises such as meditation, breathing exercises, mindful tasting, as well as the concepts underpinning such practice. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires on depression, anxiety, repetitive negative thinking, dysfunctional attitudes, positive and negative affect, self-compassion, compassion for others, and mindfulness. For participants who attended at least five of the six sessions, scores on all outcome measures improved significantly post intervention and remained stable at three-week follow up. The videoconference-delivered mindfulness-based group intervention appears to provide a viable alternative format to standard mindfulness programs where the facilitator and participants need to live in close physical proximity with each other

Translating a health behavior change intervention for delivery to 2-year college students: the importance of formative research

Young adults are at risk for weight gain in the transition to independent adulthood; 2-year college students are at greater risk and understudied relative to 4-year students. This project conducted formative research for a randomized controlled weight gain prevention trial among 2-year college students, to ensure appropriateness of content and delivery of a curriculum originally developed for 4-year college students. Data were collected from community college students, faculty, and staff from October 2009 to August 2011. Work included focus groups and key informant interviews, curriculum pilot testing, and social network and support website beta testing. Based on focus groups and interviews, program content, course delivery modes, and communication channels were adjusted to meet population interests and preferences. The course was delivered successfully in pilot testing, and the website was received well by beta testers. Formative work successfully guided program adaptations to address population needs

Combining Working Life and Health Expectancies

People around the world are living longer while fertility has been declining in the great majority of countries. Increasing the length of working lives is a commonly sought remedy to deal, at least in part, with the financial consequences for the public welfare system of longer lives. A crucial question is whether people are physically and mentally capable of working until continuously higher ages, i.e. whether the planned or already implemented increases in official retirement ages will be faced by persons of good health. Hence, it is important to not only look at the development of working lives and focus on lengthening them but, at the same time, to take a close look at developments of the health status of people around retirement ages. An existing indicator that can be used to monitor developments of working life for people at any age is working life expectancy (WLE). The calculation and analysis of WLE has relevance in itself, but it is the combination of WLE with analyses of health indicators that are gaining prominence, particularly in the context of aging societies. Simultaneous consideration of both dimensions – economic activity and health – is useful for a range of reasons. It allows the detection of inequalities in the development of both indicators, for example for different subgroups of the population; it indicates where the limits of increasing WLE might lie, given current levels of population health; and, particularly, the analysis of trends in both indicators can point to possible issues in extending WLE further