Attention Training Technique and Mindful Self-Compassion

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The design of the study is a randomized controlled trial. A total of 80 students with self-reported symptoms of stress/anxiety/depression will be invited to take part in a 3-session course consisting of either attention training or self-compassion/mindfulness based meditation. Attention training involves modifying metacognitive control and enhancing attention flexibility so that people can refrain from responding to intrusions with extended processing. Self-compassion involves not avoiding painful or distressing feelings. Instead these experiences are held in awareness with kindness, understanding, and a sense of shared humanity.

Official Title
-----------------
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Attention Training Technique and Mindful Self-Compassion

Conditions
-----------------
Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Psychological

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Behavioral: Attention training technique
* Behavioral: Mindful self-compassion


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: self reported symptoms of stress/anxiety/depression Exclusion Criteria: -

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: RCT
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Attention training technique<br> | Behavioral: Attention training technique<br>* Attention training involves modifying metacognitive control and enhancing attention flexibility so that people can refrain from responding to intrusions with extended processing.<br>* Other names: ATT;|
| Active Comparator: Mindful self-compassion<br> | Behavioral: Mindful self-compassion<br>* Self-compassion involves not avoiding painful or distressing feelings. Instead these experiences are held in awareness with kindness, understanding, and a sense of shared humanity.<br>* Other names: MSC;|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in symptoms of depression as assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 | Assesses symptoms of depression. Total score range from 0 (no depression) to 27 (very depressed). Lower values represent better outcome. Subscale scores are not used. | Baseline, immediately after last session, 6 months after intervention | 
| Change in symptoms of anxiety as assessed with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale | Assesses symptoms of anxiety. Total score range from 0 (no depression) to 21 (very depressed). Lower values represent better outcome. Subscale scores are not used. | Baseline, immediately after last session, 6 months after intervention | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Changes in self-compassion as assessed by the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form | Assessment of self-compassion. Total score range from 12 (no self-compassion) to 60 (high on self-compassion). Higher values represent better outcome. Subscale scores are not used. | Baseline, immediately after last session, 6 months after intervention | 
| Changes in the attention flexibility subscale of the Detached Mindfulness Questionnaire | Assessment of attention flexibility. Total score for attention flexibility range from 5 (no flexibility) to 25 (very flexible). Higher values represent better outcome. No other subscales are used. | Baseline, immediately after last session, 6 months after intervention | 
| Changes in mindfulness as assessed with The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire | Assessment of mindfulness. Total score range from 20 (not mindful at all) to 100(very mindful). Higher values represent better outcome. Subscale scores are not analyzed. | Baseline, immediately after last session, 6 months after intervention |