A mindfulness-based, remotely used, virtual reality intervention for university students

INTERVENTION: Title: A one‐session, remote mindfulness‐based intervention for psychological wellbeing. Rationale: The transdiagnostic potential of mindfulness‐based VR interventions for anxiety, stress, and depression, has shown promising results (Navarro‐Haro et al., 2017; Riva et al., 2021; Seabrook et al., 2020). One randomised control trial conducted by Liszio and colleagues (2018) with a university student sample, found decreases in anxiety and negative affect and increases of positive affect, and this was comparative to the computer‐based and control condition. Materials: The virtual environments were recorded using a 360‐degree VR camera (GoPro Hero) and hosted via YouTube VR. The one‐session mindfulness intervention components (i.e., psychoeducational videos with audio) were adapted from Barlow's (2010) trans‐diagnostic treatment manual referred to as the unified protocol. The module on emotion recognition, present focussed awareness, and non‐judgmental emotional awareness was recorded by a provisionally registered psychologist. The one‐session mindfulness intervention components (i.e., psychoeducational videos with audio) were adapted from Barlow's (2010) trans‐diagnostic treatment manual referred to as the unified protocol. The intervention included 2 X4‐minute psychoeducation videos, recorded in a therapy room. Content reflected Barlow's (2010) module on emotion recognition, present focussed awareness, and non‐judgmental emotional awareness. The two psychoeducative videos were played consecutively and followed by a brief reflective activity which prompted participants to consolidate content and consider its application in the future. Following this, the virtual therapist narrated a ten‐minute guided mindfulness meditation interventio CONDITION: Mental Health ‐ Studies of normal psychology, cognitive function and behaviour mental health;psychological distress; ; mental health ; psychological distress PRIMARY OUTCOME: Affect[A composite outcome measure of affect known as the positive and negative affect scale Pre‐intervention, post‐intervention, and follow‐up (at 2‐4 weeks post‐intervention)] Mindfulness[The Toronto Mindfulness Scale Pre‐intervention, post‐intervention, and follow‐up (at 2‐4 weeks post‐intervention)] Psychological distress[Kessler 6 Pre‐intervention, post‐intervention, and follow‐up (at 2‐4 weeks post‐intervention)] SECONDARY OUTCOME: Digital Mental Health Engagement[electronic therapy attitudes and process questionnaire Pre‐intervention, post‐intervention, and follow‐up (at 2‐4 weeks post‐intervention)] Treatment credibility and expectations. This will be assessed as a composite outcome[Credibility/ Expectancy Questionnaire Pre‐intervention, post‐intervention, and follow‐up (at 2‐4 weeks post‐intervention)] INCLUSION CRITERIA: Participants needed to be aged 17 years or above, and enrolled to study within a tertiary university.