The Mindfulness-Based Digital Wellbeing Retreat: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Justin Thomas, Nada AlJuraib, Layla Ashour, Dh. Karunavira
Research Square August 2, 2023 preprint DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3217100/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 7 |
| Population | Young adults who participated in a mindfulness-based digital wellbeing retreat |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based digital wellbeing retreat |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Participants described the retreat as a safe space to discuss varied technology struggles, valued the supportive peer group and natural outdoor environment, and reported heightened awareness of their tech-use habits leading to more intentional, choice-driven usage. The authors argue that such subjective accounts complement quantitative assessments of these interventions. |
Abstract
Abstract Concerns about the health impacts of online activities, such as gaming and social media, have led to the development of psychological interventions targeting problematic technology use. The efficacy of these interventions is typically assessed using quantitative metrics, such as decreased screentime and reductions in behavioural addiction or mood disorder symptomatology. However, few studies have examined participants’ subjective evaluations and perceptions of these interventions. This study explored the experiences of seven young adults who participated in a mindfulness-based digital wellbeing retreat. Semi-structured interviews, focusing on program experience and perceived impact, were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis. Participants described varied struggles with technology, suggesting the retreat represented a safe space to discuss such issues while exploring alternative ways of being with their digital devices. The experience was valued for providing a connection to a supportive peer group and the natural outdoor environment. Participants also described developing a heightened awareness of their tech-use idiosyncrasies and maladaptive habits, leading to usage characterised by greater intentionality and choice.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.