About this trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to test two new behavioral interventions designed to reduce stress and improve spiritual well-being in stressed adults. The main questions it aims to answer are:
1. Can the program decrease stress and improve spiritual well-being? 2. What brain changes accompany participation in the programs?
Participants will:
1. Be randomized to either a live online course that meets for 90 minutes every week for 8-weeks, or to a self-paced program. In the self-paced program, participants will receive materials once a week and can work through them at their own pace. Both programs are designed to decrease stress and improve well-being. 2. Complete questionnaires before and after the course. 3. Complete and interview before and after the course. 4. A subset of people will be randomized to complete an MRI scan of their brain before and after the course.
Participants will be randomized to either take the course right away, or be put on a wait-list. Those on the wait-list will undergo the testing at 2 timepoints before they start the program.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Understands English
Able to attend all 8 classes
Able to travel to Boston for MRI scans
Disqualifiers
claustrophobia, pregnancy, head trauma, metallic implants or devices contraindicating MRI, left-handed, conditions that alter cerebral blood flow or metabolism (e.g. stroke), current use of psychotropic medications, lifetime history of suicidality, homicidally, self-destructive acts, schizophrenia or psychosis.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- MB-Spirit
- Strong Behaviors for Stress Reduction
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
Sara W Lazar
Lead sponsor
Massachusetts General Hospital
Sponsor institution
Harvard Medical School (HMS and HSDM)
Collaborator