Predictors of Outcomes in MBSR Participants From Teacher Factors

Objectives. The primary objective of the current proposal is to identify teacher-related factors that can be feasibly measured and shown to predict mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) participant outcomes. The secondary objective of this R34 proposal is to lay the groundwork for a large-scale R01-funded study in which the investigators anticipate studying participants in Mindfulness-Based Stress reduction (MBSR) courses provided by 50 or more teachers in a range of university- and community-based settings.

Objectives. The primary objective of the current proposal is to identify teacher-related factors that can be feasibly measured and shown to predict mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) participant outcomes. The secondary objective of this R34 proposal is to lay the groundwork for a large-scale R01-funded study in which the investigators anticipate studying participants in Mindfulness-Based Stress reduction (MBSR) courses provided by 50 or more teachers in a range of university- and community-based settings. Design and Outcomes. This is an observational study of MBSR participants, teachers, and raters. Student participants will receive recruitment videos of different lengths and varying compensation schedules; The study will examine these to optimize participation and retention in the future R01 study.

Interventions and Duration. There is no study intervention per se, but participants will be teaching or enrolled in public 8-week MBSR classes. Outcome data will be collected from participants using internet-administered questionnaires at baseline, 2 months (immediate post-MBSR) and 4 months (post-MBSR follow-up). Rater study: The investigators will invite experience meditation teachers to be trained to use a the Mindfulness-Based Interventions Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI-TAC) tool as a standardized approach to rating MBSR teacher competency. As part of the training, the study will be collecting data on how the training works. Thus, those who join the training will be asked to sign a consent form and complete a brief questionnaire about their teaching and meditation experience, as well as demographics; the study will also collect data on the ratings they do as part of the training. The goal of this part of the study is to assess the rater-training process.

Sample Size and Population. The study aims to enroll about 19 MBSR teachers and 200 MBSR participants, along with about 30 raters to be trained in the MBI-TAC system.

Eligibility Criteria:
Teachers

Inclusion Criteria:

* teaching MBSR in one of the study recruitment sites during the study period
* choose to participate

Exclusion:

• none

MBSR Participants

Inclusion Criteria:

* enrolled in MBSR class taught by an enrolled teacher
* choose to participate
* age 18 years or older

Exclusion:

• none

Raters

Inclusion Criteria:

* Certified to teach MBSR through the CFM's OASIS (or equivalent) training program.
* 3+ years of MBSR teaching experience, having taught 10 MBSR classes.
* 10+ years of personal mindfulness practice with daily practice and yearly retreat experience (on average 5+ days).
* Have the interest and time available to complete web-based rater training and subsequent teacher ratings using an online interface, including in the Testing Phase.
* Ideally will be able to attend at least 7/8 training dates.

Exclusion:

• none