A convenience sample of 52 medical students enrolled in an online mindfulness program. Of these, 45 completed at least one of seven modules, averaging 4.85 modules completed. Satisfaction with the modules averaged 7.07 out of 10, but adherence to regular formal meditation practice was poor, with an average of 34.14 minutes of practice per module. Self-compassion and the observe and describe facets of mindfulness significantly increased from baseline, while no changes were observed for burnout or empathy. The authors conclude the program may interest medical students but provided no evidence of effectiveness.
A 12-week group mindfulness-based intervention tailored for social anxiety disorder (MBI-SAD) was tested against a waitlist control in a randomized trial with 39 participants. The intervention combined mindfulness, self-compassion training, and exposure exercises. 81% of participants attended at least 75% of sessions, indicating feasibility. Compared to the waitlist, MBI-SAD led to greater improvements in social anxiety symptom severity, depression, and social adjustment, and enhanced self-compassion and certain mindfulness facets. Gains were maintained at a 3-month follow-up. The authors suggest the intervention is promising and call for a comparison with cognitive-behavior therapy.