Mindfulness Training for First Responders

NCT06582927 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 20240877
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 87
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The present study evaluates the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Attention Training on measures targeting cognitive abilities and emotional well-being in first responders.

Conditions

Burnout

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Change in sustained attention

  The Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) is used to assess attentional performance and mind wandering (i.e., off-task thinking which is typically self-generated and compromises the performance of the task at hand). The task uses a continuous performance paradigm involving button presses to frequently presented nontargets (numbers 0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) but requires the participants to withhold their motor response to the infrequent target (number 3). Withholding responses only to infrequent targets encourages a pre-potent response and mind wandering. Real-time subjective experience of mind wandering during SART is assessed through experience-sampling probes randomly presented throughout the task.

  Baseline to week 11

• Change in resilience

  Resilience is assessed via the 6-item Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). The scores range from 6 to 30, with a higher score indicating a higher level of resilience.

  Baseline to week 11

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Change in decentering

  Baseline to week 11

• Change in positive affect

  Baseline to week 11

• Change in negative affect

  Baseline to week 11

• Change in perceived stress

  Baseline to week 11

• Change in burnout

  Baseline to week 11

Study Arms (2)

Mindfulness Training Group A

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive mindfulness training in up to 8 weeks.

Behavioral: Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT)

Wait-list condition Group B

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group will be on a waiting list to receive the identical intervention as the experimental group at a later time. Total participation in the mindfulness training will be 8 weeks

Behavioral: Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT)

Interventions

Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT) BEHAVIORAL

MBAT is an evidence-based 8-hour mindfulness program that comprises 4 central topics and associated practices. The concentration topic introduces participants to mindfulness "basics," including discussion of focused attention and mind wandering. The body awareness theme involves the cultivation of greater self-awareness, and the development of equanimity. The open monitoring theme emphasizes awareness of and receptivity to changing experiences and moments of uncertainty. The theme of connection addresses leadership and group cohesion, and the cultivation of kindness and connection with others. The course content and materials in the present study will entail the foundational MBAT curriculum and other related content delivered virtually over Zoom but will consist of 8, 1-hour sessions delivered across 8 consecutive weeks.

Mindfulness Training Group A; Wait-list condition Group B

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 75 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Individuals who are between 18 and 75 years of age
• Individuals who are fluent English speakers
• Individuals who are able to adequately and independently use electronic devices, such as a laptop, computer, or tablet, and have Internet connection
• Individuals who are willing and able to consent to participate in the study
• Participants in all phases of the study must be individuals who are affiliated with the Los Angeles County Fire Department peer support group.

You may not qualify if:

• \. Individuals with an active and untreated mental health issue and/or hospitalization for psychological/mental health issues within the past month

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Miami: lead
• Unlikely Collaborators Inc.: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Burnout, Psychological

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Stress, Psychological; Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior

Study Officials

• Amishi Jha, PhD

  University of Miami

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SEQUENTIAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 30, 2024
• First Posted: September 3, 2024
• Study Start: July 22, 2025
• Primary Completion: April 10, 2026
• Study Completion: April 10, 2026
• Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)