Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Mindfulness App Among Academic Advisors

Abstract

This yearlong study examined the impact of the 10% Happier phone app on levels of mindfulness and perceived stress among academic advisors. In addition, the study explored whether attending a one-time training session would influence app usage. To date, there is limited research regarding the effectiveness of mindfulness apps on the levels of mindfulness and perceived stress and the impact an in-person mindfulness training has on app usage. In this study, participants were given the choice to attend a one-time training session that included gaining access to the app or receive access to the app without attending training. A quantitative design was used to sample academic advisors (n = 33) at a large, state university in the Midwest. The results showed that in-person training appeared to increase app usage, and paired sample t-tests indicated increased levels of mindfulness on the Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS) and decreased levels of perceived stress on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) among app users. There was no significant difference in changes in levels of mindfulness and perceived stress among those who did not use the app. A final result indicated 85% of participants agreed that practicing mindfulness was beneficial to their self-care and well-being.