Abstract
BackgroundMindfulness-based interventions are reported to be highly acceptable and have positive effects on youth, yet most are clinic- or school-based aimed at emotional regulation or academic performance. To provide flexible program delivery, we developed and tested a standalone mindfulness-based app aimed at improving weight-related behaviors (eg, diet, physical activity, sleep) in adolescents.ObjectiveOur objective was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of a mindfulness-based mobile app.MethodsIn a single-arm pilot study, 15 adolescents (14-18 years) were prompted to access the app once a day, every day for 6 weeks. Outcomes were measured by in-app and poststudy surveys, and descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Time within a mindfulness state was self-reported during weekly timed practices.ResultsThe app was rated highly for content and encouraging the practice of activities to promote mindfulness states. Teens reported increased awareness of eating behaviors and high adherence, particularly during physically active practices. Average self-reported time spent in a mindfulness state increased 2.5 times by week 6 (78 [SD 17] seconds) compared to week 1 (31 [SD 21] seconds).ConclusionsThe high acceptability and utility ratings of the app, increases in reported time in mindfulness states, and high frequency of participation, including mindful eating and physical activity, suggest the mindfulness-based mobile app has the potential to improve awareness of weight-related behaviors.
Highlights
The psychological state of mindfulness facilitates present moment awareness, objective self-observation, and attention to the environment without judgement [1,2,3]
JMIR Res Protoc 2017 | vol 6 | iss. 4 | e67 | p. 1 or clinic-based programs aimed at improving emotional regulation and academic performance [13,14]
A high proportion of participants were Hispanic, 20% were overweight or obese, and one-third had heard of mindfulness
Summary
The psychological state of mindfulness facilitates present moment awareness, objective self-observation, and attention to the environment without judgement [1,2,3]. Mindfulness-based interventions related to eating have increased awareness of satiety; feelings and thoughts about food and the food environment [5,6,7,8]; and reduced weight, body mass index (BMI), and caloric and fat intake [5,7]. Mindfulness-based interventions are reported to be highly acceptable and have positive effects on youth, yet most are clinic- or school-based aimed at emotional regulation or academic performance. To provide flexible program delivery, we developed and tested a standalone mindfulness-based app aimed at improving weight-related behaviors (eg, diet, physical activity, sleep) in adolescents
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