Illustrative estimate only - not verified by this sponsor. Contact the study team for actual compensation.
Nearly 50% of the adult workforce experience adverse psychological symptoms (e.g., stress, depression, burnout, etc.) stemming from workplace stressors, with healthcare workers experiencing rates as high as 80%. Some common complaints and downstream consequences of working in high-stress healthcare occupations are elevated levels of perceived stress, depression, and burnout. These conditions have been associated with unfavorable occupational (e.g., increased medical errors), patient (e.g., increased mortality rates), and provider-related outcomes (e.g., increased rates of cardiovascular disease), imposing a heavy burden on an already stretched system. Given the impact of perceived stress, depression, and burnout on employee and patient health, a clear need exists to develop effective interventions to reduce distress and promote well-being among healthcare professionals. In particular, interventions that target processes particularly vulnerable to provider stress (e.g., compassion) are needed. The present study will evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention inspired by the Buddhist Four Immeasurables practice on reducing perceived stress (primary outcome), depressive symptoms, burnout, and biological markers of inflammation, and enhancing psychological well-being and sleep quality (secondary outcomes) in 80 healthcare workers. Additionally, we will investigate several mediators (compassion, positive emotions, equanimity, and mindfulness) of intervention effects. Participants will be healthcare employees of UCLA Health. They will be enrolled in a six-week, two-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires at baseline, mid-course, and post-intervention to assess study outcomes and mediators. We aim to advance the study of interventions that reduce distress and promote well-being using practices that cultivate kind feelings toward oneself and others.
What happens when you apply
Reach out via phone or email to express interest
Brief call to discuss your health history
Medical screening at the research site
Begin your journey in the study
Inclusion Criteria: 1) full-time physician (M.D. or D.O.), 2) at least 18 years of age, 3) able to attend the six-week intervention, 4) fluent in English, and 5) access to the internet and email. Exclusion Criteria. 1) having a current and consistent meditation practice (i.e., engaging in a formal meditation practice at least three days per week for five minutes each day), 2) previous participation in a Four Immeasurable course (e.g., attending a Brahmaviharas meditation retreat), 3) absence of at least mild levels of perceived stress as determined by a score less than five on the four-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4; 92), 4) regular tobacco use (given its impact on immune function; 90), and 5) failure to agree to the informed consent. The presence or absence of perceived stress will be assessed using the PSS-4 during the initial phone screening.
imaguineapig pulls live data from ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH/NLM).Illustrative estimate only - not verifiedPay estimates are approximate ranges based on study type and are not confirmed by sponsors — actual compensation may differ. Eligibility indicators use limited criteria (age, sex) only. We do not provide medical advice. Always contact the study team directly to confirm compensation, full eligibility, and risks before enrolling.