NCT07283744 A Mindfulness-Based Intervention to Reduce Stress Through the Cultivation of Loving-Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity in Healthcare Professionals
| NCT ID | NCT07283744 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles |
| Condition | Stress (Psychology) |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 80 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-10-10 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 80 participants in total. It began in 2025-10-10 with a primary completion date of 2027-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Nearly 50% of the adult workforce experience adverse psychological symptoms (e.g., stress, depression, burnout, etc.) stemming from workplace stressors, with healthcare workers experiencing rates as high as 80%. Some common complaints and downstream consequences of working in high-stress healthcare occupations are elevated levels of perceived stress, depression, and burnout. These conditions have been associated with unfavorable occupational (e.g., increased medical errors), patient (e.g., increased mortality rates), and provider-related outcomes (e.g., increased rates of cardiovascular disease), imposing a heavy burden on an already stretched system. Given the impact of perceived stress, depression, and burnout on employee and patient health, a clear need exists to develop effective interventions to reduce distress and promote well-being among healthcare professionals. In particular, interventions that target processes particularly vulnerable to provider stress (e.g., compassion) are needed. The present study will evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention inspired by the Buddhist Four Immeasurables practice on reducing perceived stress (primary outcome), depressive symptoms, burnout, and biological markers of inflammation, and enhancing psychological well-being and sleep quality (secondary outcomes) in 80 healthcare workers. Additionally, we will investigate several mediators (compassion, positive emotions, equanimity, and mindfulness) of intervention effects. Participants will be healthcare employees of UCLA Health. They will be enrolled in a six-week, two-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires at baseline, mid-course, and post-intervention to assess study outcomes and mediators. We aim to advance the study of interventions that reduce distress and promote well-being using practices that cultivate kind feelings toward oneself and others.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1) full-time physician (M.D. or D.O.), 2) at least 18 years of age, 3) able to attend the six-week intervention, 4) fluent in English, and 5) access to the internet and email. Exclusion Criteria. 1) having a current and consistent meditation practice (i.e., engaging in a formal meditation practice at least three days per week for five minutes each day), 2) previous participation in a Four Immeasurable course (e.g., attending a Brahmaviharas meditation retreat), 3) absence of at least mild levels of perceived stress as determined by a score less than five on the four-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4; 92), 4) regular tobacco use (given its impact on immune function; 90), and 5) failure to agree to the informed consent. The presence or absence of perceived stress will be assessed using the PSS-4 during the initial phone screening.
Contact & Investigator
Julienne E Bower, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
University of California, Los Angeles, Psychology Department
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07283744 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Stress (Psychology). Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07283744 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07283744 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at tkorecki@g.ucla.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07283744 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Los Angeles, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07283744 clinical trial?
NCT07283744 is sponsored by University of California, Los Angeles. The principal investigator is Julienne E Bower, Ph.D. at University of California, Los Angeles, Psychology Department. The trial plans to enroll 80 participants.