Can Applying the Science of Habit Formation to Contemplative Practice Improve Outcomes
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In the present study, the investigators will conduct a confirmatory efficacy trial to test whether improving practice automaticity (i.e., habit formation) of self-compassionate touch improves outcomes in the predicted direction. Adults (n=440, including 20% for attrition) will be randomly assigned to: (1) the self-compassionate touch intervention plus habit formation tools ("SCT+HABITS") versus (2) the self-compassionate touch intervention alone ("SCT"). The investigators will conduct assessments at baseline, 3-month follow-up, and 6-month follow-up. The SCT+HABITS condition will be used to evaluate whether providing habit formation tools results in superior effects to SCT. The intervention will be delivered entirely online.
Full description
Specific Aim 1: Evaluate whether SCT+HABITS shows more practice frequency and practice automaticity from baseline to 3-month, and to 6-month follow-up compared to the SCT. Hypothesis 1. The SCT+HABITS group will show greater increases in practice frequency and practice automaticity than SCT from baseline to 3-month, and to 6-month follow-up.
Specific Aim 2: Determine whether SCT+HABITS, relative to SCT, will experience increased self-compassion and self-compassion automaticity, and reduced stress and psychopathology. Hypothesis 2. SCT+HABITS will promote greater increases in self-compassion and self-compassion automaticity, and greater reductions in stress and psychopathology from baseline to 3-month, to 6-month follow-up.
Specific Aim 3: Assess whether greater baseline to 3-month follow-up increases in practice automaticity mediate the association between SCT+HABITS and baseline to 6-month follow-up increases in (a) self-compassion and (b) self-compassion automaticity, as well as reductions in (c) stress and (d) psychopathology. Hypothesis 3. Greater baseline to 3-month follow-up increases in practice automaticity will mediate the association between the SCT+HABITS group and baseline to 6-month follow-up increases in (a) self-compassion and (b) self-compassion automaticity, as well as reductions in (c) stress and (d) psychopathology.
Exploratory Aim: Evaluate the barriers, facilitators, and acceptability of SCT+HABITS and SCT alone. This aim will be addressed via qualitative analyses to characterize barriers and facilitators to habit formation, and the proportion of participants in each condition (SCT+HABITS and SCT alone) who noted each type of barrier and facilitator. Participants will self-report on acceptability and feasibility via questionnaire. Then, the investigators will examine whether SCT+HABITS and SCT alone will meet or exceed the established criteria for acceptability and feasibility.
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Inclusion criteria
- 18 years of age or older.
- English language proficiency.
- Able and willing to give informed consent.
- Resides in the United States of America
Exclusion criteria
- Does not have email address or access to email.
- Does not personally own a smartphone device
- Not able/willing to participate in and/or complete the baseline assessments
Trial design
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Interventional model
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497 participants in 2 patient groups
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Central trial contact
Allison G Harvey; Eli S Susman
Data sourced from clinicaltrials.gov
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