Effects of a Smartphone-Based Mindfulness Intervention on Momentary Stress Among First Responders: a Micro-Randomized
Tiffany Tran1, Sun-Kyung Lee2, Susanne Lee1
1Reach Institute, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85287-1104, USA.
Summary
Smartphone mindfulness apps can help first responders manage stress. An app-based guided practice (MYAPT.MIND) reduced stress increases after stressors, unlike simple text reminders.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Digital Health
Background:
- First responders experience high workplace stress, impacting mental well-being.
- Traditional mindfulness interventions are time-intensive, posing barriers for shift workers.
- Smartphone interventions offer a flexible, accessible alternative for stress management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of two smartphone-delivered mindfulness interventions.
- To assess stress reduction and stress reactivity in first responders.
- To determine if app-based mindfulness can mitigate acute stress responses.
Main Methods:
- Micro-randomized controlled trial with 75 first responders over 30 days.
- Daily interventions: no-intervention, brief text message, or app-based guided practice (MYAPT.MIND).
- Ecological momentary assessments (EMA) measured stress twice daily.
Main Results:
- No direct effect of interventions on overall momentary stress.
- MYAPT.MIND group showed smaller stress increases after stressors compared to other groups.
- App-based mindfulness demonstrated a 'just-in-time' effect for acute stress.
Conclusions:
- App-based mindfulness interventions show promise for acute stress management in high-stress occupations.
- MYAPT.MIND is a viable tool for mitigating stress reactivity in first responders.
- Digital mindfulness tools can be tailored to the needs of demanding professions.
