Changes in Perceived Stress Following a 10-Week Digital Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program: Retrospective Study
JMIR Formative Research May 25, 2021 Venkatesan, Aarathi, Krymis, Holly, Scharff, Jenny et al.
A 10-week digital mindfulness-based stress reduction program that combined an app with weekly one-on-one remote health-coach sessions was associated with significant reductions in perceived stress. Among 229 participants with moderate-to-high stress, average stress scores dropped by 3.17 points by week 6 and 4.86 points by week 12. By week 12, 83.2% of completers showed reduced stress, 40.5% showed reliable improvement, and 47.8% moved to a lower stress category. At 6 months, 61% of those assessed showed reliable improvement. More completed lessons increased the likelihood of moving down a stress category. The findings suggest such blended digital interventions may support meaningful, sustained stress reduction.