A Digital Music-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Black Americans With Elevated Race-Based Anxiety: A...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Digital Health

Background:

• Race-based anxiety poses a significant health challenge for the Black community.
• Existing mindfulness interventions face barriers such as cost, time commitment, and cultural relevance for Black Americans.
• Novel, accessible mindfulness interventions are needed to address these barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the preliminary efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of a novel digital music-based mindfulness intervention.
• The intervention was designed for middle-to-low-income Black Americans experiencing elevated race-based anxiety.
• The study aimed to overcome common barriers to accessing traditional mindfulness treatments.

Main Methods:

• A nonconcurrent multiple-baseline design was employed with 5 participants.
• The intervention incorporated contributions from notable figures in meditation and communication.
• State anxiety levels were measured, alongside quantitative and qualitative assessments of feasibility and acceptability.

Main Results:

• The digital music-based mindfulness intervention led to statistically significant reductions in state anxiety.
• Effect sizes for anxiety reduction were substantial (Tau-U range -0.75 to -0.38; P values<.001).
• Feasibility and acceptability were high, with participants indicating a 98% likelihood of recommending the intervention.

Conclusions:

• Preliminary evidence suggests a digital music-based mindfulness intervention can effectively decrease race-based anxiety in Black Americans.
• The intervention demonstrates potential as an accessible and culturally relevant mental health tool.
• Further research is recommended to confirm long-term effects, explore mechanisms of change, and test real-world efficacy.