Changes in Perceived Stress Following a 10-Week Digital Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program: Retrospective Study (Preprint)
Aarathi Venkatesan, Holly Krymis, Jenny Scharff et al.
A 10-week digital mindfulness-based stress reduction program combining an app with weekly one-on-one remote health coaching sessions was associated with reduced perceived stress. Among 229 participants with moderate-to-high stress, stress scores decreased by an average of 4.86 points at 12 weeks. 83.2% of completers showed a reduction, 40.5% showed reliable improvement, and 47.8% moved to a lower stress category. At 6 months, 61% of those assessed showed reliable improvement. Completing more lessons increased the likelihood of moving down a stress level. The retrospective observational design suggests such blended digital interventions may support sustained stress reduction.