Stress Free UCR: The Impact of 8 Weeks of Headspace on Stress in a Heterogeneous University Employee Cohort

• Change in subjective mindfulness, as determined by total score on Mindful Attention Awareness Scale[ Time Frame: Baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks ]
  The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale is a 15-item measure with each item ranging from a score of 1 to 6. To score the scale, we compute the average score across items, with a higher score reflecting higher levels of mindfulness.
• Anxiety, as determined by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale[ Time Frame: Baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks ]
  The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale is a 7-item measure with each item ranging from 0-3, with total scores ranging from 0-21 and higher scores indicating higher anxiety
• Change in burnout, as determined by the Bergen Burnout Inventory[ Time Frame: Baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks ]
  The Bergen Burnout Inventory is comprised of 9 items, ranging from 1 to 6. The total score range is from 9 to 54 with a higher score reflecting higher burnout.
• Sleep quality as determined by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index[ Time Frame: Baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks ]
  The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index is a 9-item scale with a complex scoring scheme, in which a total score of "5" or greater is indicative of poor sleep quality
• Worry as determined by the Penn State Worry Questionnaire[ Time Frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 4 months, 1 year ]
  The Penn State Worry Questionnaire is a 16-item measure with total scores ranging from 16-60, and higher scores indicating more worry
• Rumination as assessed by the McIntosh and Martin Rumination Questionnaire[ Time Frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 4 months, 1 year ]
  The McIntosh and Martin Rumination Questionnaire is a 10-item measure with each item scored from 1-5, such that average scores range from 1 to 5 and higher scores indicate more rumination
• Change in work engagement, as determined by the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale[ Time Frame: Baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks ]
  The Utrecht Work Engagement scale is comprised of 9 items, with a total score ranging from 0 to 54, with higher scores indicating more work engagement.
• Change in job strain, as determined by Siegrist Job Strain Scale[ Time Frame: Baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks ]
  The job strain measure is a comprised of two sub scales, effort (5 items) and reward (11 items), each ranging from 1 to 4. The job strain score is calculated as the ratio of demand to reward, with a higher ratio reflecting more job strain.

The aim of this study is to test the effects of a digital meditation intervention in a sample of high stress UCR employees. We will randomize UCR employees to 8-weeks of either a digital mindfulness intervention (using the commercially available application Headspace) or a waitlist control condition. Participants assigned to the intervention group will be asked to download and use the Headspace mobile application for 10 minutes per day for 8 weeks. They will be asked to fill out short (no longer than 30 minutes long) questionnaires at baseline, week 4, week 8 (post intervention), and a 4-month follow up period. Participants who are randomized to the digital meditation intervention will also take part in a 1-year follow up. All activities will take place online (via computer or smartphone), and on the participants' own time.

• Behavioral: Meditation
  10 minute a day, 8 week digital meditation

• Experimental: Meditation Group
  Participants in the meditation group will use a digitally-based mindfulness intervention Headspace app (Basics + Stress packs) will be used for 10 minutes a day over the course of 8 weeks
• No Intervention: Control Group
  Control group participants will continue their normal activities and not add any form of meditation during the study period.