Effects of a group mindfulness-based cognitive programme on smartphone addictive symptoms and resilience among adolescents: study protocol of a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Anson Chui-Yan Tang, Regina Lee
BMC Nursing June 5, 2021 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-021-00611-5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cluster-randomized controlled trial (open-label, parallel-group, repeated measurement analysis) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 240 |
| Population | Class level 5 primary school students in four primary schools in Hong Kong |
| Duration | 12-week intervention; post-tests at weeks 4, 8, and 12, and 3-month follow-up |
| Measures | Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale - 25 (Chinese version), Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (Chinese Version) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 38 |
| Key findings | The authors propose that a 12-week group mindfulness-based cognitive programme will lead to better resilience and fewer smartphone addictive symptoms among young adolescents, and contend it would be the first empirical evidence supporting MBCP for managing adolescent smartphone use. No results are reported; the trial is registered but outcomes are not yet available. |
Abstract
Background: Smartphone addiction in adolescent is a significant global health issue since the last decade. Evidence has shown that the uncontrolled use of smartphone would lead to undesirable impact on their growth and development. However, evidence-based interventions to manage adolescents' smartphone addictive behaviors is lacking. The proposed study aims to examine the effect of a group mindfulness-based cognitive programme(MBCP) on resilience, smartphone behavior and addictive symptoms in young adolescents.
Methods: It is an open-label, parallel-group, cluster-randomized controlled trial with repeated measurement analysis. Four primary schools in Hong Kong will be recruited and randomly allocated in a ratio of 1:1 to the intervention/control group. A convenience sample of 240 class level 5 primary school students, 60 from each school, will be recruited. Participants in the intervention group will receive a 12-week MBCP which comprises 90-minute supervised practice at school and daily home practice. Resilience will be measured by Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale - 25 (Chinese version); smartphone behavior will be represented by time spent/day using the smartphone and types of functions used; addictive symptoms will be measured by Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (Chinese Version). Baseline assessment(T0) will be conducted before the intervention starts. Post-tests will be conducted in weeks 4, 8, 12 of the intervention, and 3 months follow-up. Intention-to-Treat analysis will be applied to the variables. Generalized Estimating Equation model will be used to compare differences in resilience scores, smartphone behavior and addiction scores between and within groups, adjusted for socio-demographic factors. P < 0.05 with two-tailed test will be regarded as significance.
Discussion: It is expected that adolescents will demonstrate better resilience and lesser smartphone addictive symptoms after joining the MBCP. The study will be the first provided empirical evidence to support the promising application of MBCP to manage smartphone use among adolescents. It introduces community stakeholders including community nurses a non-invasive and simple-to-administer intervention to tackle problematic smartphone use among adolescent clients.
Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000033273, Registered on 26 May 2020.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- The effect of mindfulness-based Tai Chi Chuan on mobile phone addiction among male college students is associated with executive functions. PLoS One 2025
- Mindfulness-based cognitive program as a potential intervention for managing smartphone addiction and resilience in adolescents: a pilot evaluation. Health psychology and behavioral medicine 2025
Cites 4
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse Psychotherapy Research March 1, 2003
- Mindfulness as a Treatment for Behavioural Addiction Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy 2013
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Children: Results of a Pilot Study Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy March 1, 2008