Using the Novel INDIGO Method to Explore What a Brief Mindfulness-Based Intervention Should Comprise

Abstract Objectives Brief mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) show promise for mental health support. However there is wide heterogeneity across intervention types, and a lack of systematic stakeholder involvement in their development. Our objective was to use INDIGO, a novel mixed method, to explore stakeholder perspectives on what a brief MBI should comprise.

Method: INDIGO combines timelining and storyboarding, and was used to collect data. Twenty-one participants (mean age 42.2 years, 15 female, 13 mindfulness teachers or trainee teachers, average 11 years’ experience of mindfulness practice) returned completed INDIGO charts. There were two data analysis stages: Descriptive analysis of qualitative and quantitative data (including qualitative content analysis); Interpretive analysis of visual and textual data using polytextual thematic analysis.

Results: The mean number of sessions suggested for a brief MBI was just over five. The most frequently suggested elements to include were focused attention practice, inquiry, three-step breathing space and psychoeducation. There were different interpretations of some practices, such as “open monitoring”. Three themes were generated from the polytextual thematic analysis: “Starting Where You Are” focussed on the needs and capacities of individual participants; “Surfing the Waves” described dynamic processes that need to be managed within a brief MBI, including holding the group; “The Deep and The Wide Path” connected the course formats suggested in this study to existing MBIs.

Conclusions: The visual aspect of INDIGO highlighted the influence of existing approaches that otherwise may be overlooked. The development and implementation of new, brief MBIs should take a person-centred approach, consider social common factors, and include training to increase the scientific literacy of teachers.