Online Trial of Meditation and Behavior

Purpose

This study investigates how different types of meditation may affect behaviors and emotions. The study is conducted entirely online and involves listening to 4-weeks of a guided meditation training. The meditation involves either Loving-Kindness or Relaxation techniques. The purpose of the study is to assess changes in behaviors and emotions using standard questionnaires, reports of real-world behavior, and online behavioral tasks. The overarching goal is to help clarify how mind-body practices may improve some aspects of well-being.

Condition

  • Meditation

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Between 18 Years and 55 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Inclusion Criteria

  • Is a medically healthy individual - Lives in the United States - Has reliable internet access and the ability to join a Zoom video chat

Exclusion Criteria

  • Has experience with meditation or other mind-body practices - Has a neurological disease - Has a current psychiatric disorder - Is on medication that affects the central nervous system (e.g. psychotropic drugs) - Has recurrent or chronic pain - Is pregnant or planning to become pregnant

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel Assignment
Primary Purpose
Basic Science
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Loving-Kindness Meditation 		4-week guided Loving-Kindness Meditation training (administered online).
  • Behavioral: Loving-Kindness Meditation
    Approximately 15-minute sessions are administered 6 days per week
    Other names:
    • Metta Meditation
Experimental
Relaxation Meditation 		4-week guided Relaxation Meditation training (administered online).
  • Behavioral: Relaxation Meditation
    Approximately 15-minute sessions are administered 6 days per week
    Other names:
    • Progressive Muscle Relaxation

More Details

Status
Completed
Sponsor
Georgetown University

Study Contact