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Assessing the efficacy of a brief online mindfulness-based intervention to increase nonattachment

Nicole Zappelli, Brad Elphinstone, Richard E. Whitehead

Australian psychologist October 28, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/00050067.2026.2751654 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Pilot randomized controlled trial (waitlist-controlled) Qualitative Peer reviewed
Sample size 70
Population University students (n = 35) and community members (n = 35)
Intervention refocusing the mind
Dose 10-minute daily guided audio meditations
Duration 2-week intervention
Topics Meditation
Key findings Compared with waitlist controls, the two-week online mindfulness intervention significantly increased self-reported mindfulness in both the student and community samples. Evidence for change in nonattachment was minimal: the student sample showed a significant main effect with no significant interaction, and the community sample's interaction term was non-significant, although follow-up t-tests indicated nonattachment increased significantly in the experimental versus control group.

Abstract

Objective Nonattachment involves a reduced tendency to “cling to” or “push away” aspects of experience. To date, while it appears possible to increase nonattachment with interventions of up to 8-weeks duration, little research has explored shorter online mindfulness-based interventions. The current study piloted a two-week self-guided online mindfulness-based intervention.Method The online mindfulness-based intervention was assessed in student (n = 35) and community (n = 35) samples. Participants listened to 10-minute daily guided audio meditations (i.e. body scan [days 1–5], refocusing the mind [days 6–9], and releasing mental fixations [days 10–14]).Results Compared to waitlist control groups in both samples, participation in the intervention contributed to a significant increase in mindfulness. Minimal evidence for change in nonattachment was observed. In the student sample, there was a significant main effect and no significant interaction. In the community sample, the interaction term was non-significant. Subsequent t-tests indicated that nonattachment significantly increased in the experimental compared to control group. Preliminary qualitative feedback highlighted benefits for some participants, whereas the time commitment or online design of the intervention were issues for others.Conclusions The findings further support that short online mindfulness-based interventions can contribute to increases in self-reported mindfulness. Suggestions on future directions for nonattachment-based interventions are provided.

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

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