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Field
Abstract
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Before
This study explores how incentives for using a mindfulness app (Insight Timer) affect use and outcomes such stress levels, sleep, ability to focus. This study conducted at UC Santa Barbara in Fall 2024, will recruit a large sample of undergraduate students. Data on app download and usage and survey data will be collected from participants.
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After
This study explores how incentives for using a mindfulness app affect use and outcomes such stress levels, sleep, ability to focus. This study conducted at UC Santa Barbara in Fall 2024, will recruit a large sample of undergraduate students. Data on app download and usage and survey data will be collected from participants.
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Field
Intervention (Hidden)
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Before
Recruitment and Randomization:
• UCSB students are invited to participate in the study through email and campus outreach (following formal listserv rules).
• The study is framed broadly as a project on promoting student success, avoiding explicit mentions of mindfulness to prevent selection bias.
• Participants will receive $10 for completing two surveys (one at the start and one at the end of the quarter).
• Once they complete the initial survey, participants are randomly assigned to one of four groups:
o Control group (1/4 of participants): No intervention, only asked to complete the surveys.
o Three treatment groups (3/4 of participants each – ¼ of all participants): Interventions designed to encourage the use of the Insight Timer mindfulness app.
Treatment Groups:
• Group 1: Participants earn one ticket for a weekly $100 prize drawing (8 total drawings) for each day they use Insight Timer for at least 5 minutes.
• Group 2: Same as Group 1 but with an option to designate 3 out of the 8 weeks as "bonus weeks," during which daily usage earns 3 tickets instead of 1.
• Group 3: Same as Group 2, but participants are also provided information on a previous intervention to help them decide when to allocate their bonus weeks.
Mindfulness App Use:
• Participants in the treatment groups are encouraged to download Insight Timer and join a curated UCSB-specific group on the app, which features mindfulness resources tailored to their needs.
• Weekly text messages (8 total) are sent to the treatment groups, providing encouragement and sharing information on the benefits of mindfulness.
Engagement Monitoring:
• Insight Timer tracks app usage and participation in the UCSB-specific group to verify engagement.
• Activities focus on watching mindfulness videos of at least 4 minutes in length.
Survey:
• All participants, including the control group, complete an end-of-quarter survey to evaluate outcomes like stress, focus, and academic performance.
• At the study’s conclusion, participants are debriefed about the full details of the intervention and its goals, including the nature of the treatment groups.
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After
Recruitment and Randomization:
• UCSB students are invited to participate in the study through email and campus outreach (following formal listserv rules).
• The study is framed broadly as a project on promoting student success, avoiding explicit mentions of mindfulness to prevent selection bias.
• Participants will receive $10 for completing two surveys (one at the start and one at the end of the quarter).
• Once they complete the initial survey, participants are randomly assigned to one of four groups:
o Control group (1/4 of participants): No intervention, only asked to complete the surveys.
o Three treatment groups (3/4 of participants each – ¼ of all participants): Interventions designed to encourage the use of the mindfulness app.
Treatment Groups:
• Group 1: Participants earn one ticket for a weekly $100 prize drawing (8 total drawings) for each day they use the mindfulness app for at least 5 minutes.
• Group 2: Same as Group 1 but with an option to designate 3 out of the 8 weeks as "bonus weeks," during which daily usage earns 3 tickets instead of 1.
• Group 3: Same as Group 2, but participants are also provided information on a previous intervention to help them decide when to allocate their bonus weeks.
Mindfulness App Use:
• Participants in the treatment groups are encouraged to download the mindfulness app and join a curated UCSB-specific group on the app, which features mindfulness resources tailored to their needs.
• Weekly text messages (8 total) are sent to the treatment groups, providing encouragement and sharing information on the benefits of mindfulness.
Engagement Monitoring:
• The mindfulness app tracks app usage and participation in the UCSB-specific group to verify engagement.
• Activities focus on watching mindfulness videos of at least 4 minutes in length.
Survey:
• All participants, including the control group, complete an end-of-quarter survey to evaluate outcomes like stress, focus, and academic performance.
• At the study’s conclusion, participants are debriefed about the full details of the intervention and its goals, including the nature of the treatment groups.
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