The Impact of Heartfulness Program on Loneliness in High School Students in the US

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This quantitative study assesses the baseline loneliness scores in all the high school students in the US. Assessments at baseline will include the UCLA loneliness scale. The Google form questionnaire will ask the high schoolers for their email address and their parent's email address (if they are under 18). The form will also include a question eliciting interest in participation in the 4-weeks Heartfulness program. The program will include tools that promote a heart-based nurturing environment focusing on relaxation, positivity, and developing growth mindsets.

Detailed Description
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The specific aims of the study are: To assess the current level of loneliness in high school students through the UCLA loneliness scale. To assess the beneficial impact of the Heartfulness program on loneliness in high school students in the US.

Official Title
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The Impact of Heartfulness Program on Loneliness in High School Students in the US

Conditions
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Loneliness

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Self-Care Program through Heartfulness


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Participants are High School students in the US and willing to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: Non-English speaking high school students in the US and those with mental health diagnoses such as Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety disorders.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 14 Years
Maximum Age: 19 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Heartfulness Group<br>Participants were asked to practice relaxation tools for 15 minutes a day using the calendar and HeartBot app, and participate in once a week webinar for 30 minutes during the four weeks. UCLA Loneliness scale was recorded prior to the start of the study and at its end after the duration of 4 weeks. The score was reviewed to see the changes in the loneliness scale. | Behavioral: Self-Care Program through Heartfulness<br>* A four-week Self-Care program through Heartfulness will be offered to participants in the Heartfulness group. This would include a daily practice of relaxation tools for 15 minutes a day using an app and once a week webinar for 30 minutes. Guided relaxation and meditation sessions will be offered to the participants during the intervention weeks. These virtual sessions were conducted by Heartfulness Champions and certified trainers from Heartfulness Institute.<br>|
| No Intervention: Control Group<br>The control group had no change in their daily routines. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Assess the current level of Loneliness | To assess the current level of loneliness in high school students through UCLA loneliness scale. | Baseline data through the pre-UCLA survey scores | 
| Changes in Loneliness levels | To assess the beneficial impact of Heartfulness program on loneliness in high school students in the US. | 28 days for 15 minutes every day based on a 28-day calendar |