A new study carried out by the University of Oxford in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation has shown that practicing mindfulness online can reduce depression, stress and anxiety. The findings of the study revealed a 58% reduction in anxiety, 57% in depression and 40% in perceived stress. There was a further decrease in stress, anxiety and depression levels one month after completing the course, suggesting that the participants continued to practice the skills that they had learnt.
The benefits were found to compare with Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services and face-to-face mindfulness courses despite the lack of group and therapist interaction.
Adele Krusche, of the University of Oxford's school of Department of Psychiatry, said: "The study shows great potential for the role of online technology in delivering mindfulness courses to decrease stress, anxiety and depression.
Mindfulness is a very simple form of meditation. Although it has only recently been embraced in the West, it is an ancient practice found in a wide range of Eastern philosophies, including Buddhism, Taoism and Yoga.
Adele Krusche, of the University of Oxford's school of Department of Psychiatry, said: "This is the first known study to measure how much time spent practicing mindfulness online will bring about a positive change, with more mindfulness practice significantly improving stress, anxiety and depression."
The ability of an individual to access support of their own accord and in familiar surroundings enabled them to use the skills learnt more effectively and often to recall them more easily.
Dr Eva Cyhlarova, Head of Research at the Mental Health Foundation said: "The concept of mindfulness has really hit the headlines in the last few years. Not only is it seen as an accessible, non-stigmatising way of protecting our wellbeing, but now even more evidence points to its ability to improve people's mental health. "We hope this is just the beginning of a range of online interventions which are convenient, appropriate and cost-effective in supporting those seeking mental health support."
A new study carried out by the University of Oxford in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation has shown that practicing mindfulness online can reduce depression, stress and anxiety. The findings of the study revealed a 58% reduction in anxiety, 57% in depression and 40% in perceived stress. There was a further decrease in stress, anxiety and depression levels one month after completing the course, suggesting that the participants continued to practice the skills that they had learnt.
The benefits were found to compare with Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services and face-to-face mindfulness courses despite the lack of group and therapist interaction.
Adele Krusche, of the University of Oxford's school of Department of Psychiatry, said: "The study shows great potential for the role of online technology in delivering mindfulness courses to decrease stress, anxiety and depression.
Mindfulness is a very simple form of meditation. Although it has only recently been embraced in the West, it is an ancient practice found in a wide range of Eastern philosophies, including Buddhism, Taoism and Yoga.
Adele Krusche, of the University of Oxford's school of Department of Psychiatry, said: "This is the first known study to measure how much time spent practicing mindfulness online will bring about a positive change, with more mindfulness practice significantly improving stress, anxiety and depression."
The ability of an individual to access support of their own accord and in familiar surroundings enabled them to use the skills learnt more effectively and often to recall them more easily.
Dr Eva Cyhlarova, Head of Research at the Mental Health Foundation said:
"The concept of mindfulness has really hit the headlines in the last few years. Not only is it seen as an accessible, non-stigmatising way of protecting our wellbeing, but now even more evidence points to its ability to improve people's mental health. "We hope this is just the beginning of a range of online interventions which are convenient, appropriate and cost-effective in supporting those seeking mental health support."
The research was published in BMJ Open.
For more information about the online course visit: www.bemindfulonline.com
