Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Health Science Program

The Master of Health Science program at Auckland University of Technology is a research-focused degree that aims to investigate the impact of mindfulness meditation-based programs on wellbeing.

Program Overview

• The program is based on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and was developed by an MBSR trained clinician.
• The Aotearoa Mindfulness and Awareness (AMA) Wellness course is an MMBP that has been offered by Tāmaki Health, New Zealand's largest primary healthcare group.
• Approximately 63 AMA courses are offered per year.

Research Methodology

• The study used a mixed-methods research approach, collecting quantitative data via questionnaires from 70 participants at baseline and 31 post-intervention.
• Qualitative data were collected from telephone interviews with ten participants and analyzed using thematic analysis.
• The data were analyzed according to whether participants received in-person or online course delivery.

Research Findings

• Spearman's rho correlation analyses found that higher mindfulness levels were correlated with lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms in both samples.
• Descriptive statistical analysis and Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests found that after completing the AMA in-person courses, scores of mindfulness increased, and levels of somatization, anxiety, and depressive symptoms decreased.
• The same analysis revealed that for the online courses, levels of mindfulness increased and levels of anxiety symptoms decreased from pre- to post-intervention.

Program Outcomes

• The quantitative data suggest that after attending the AMA course, most participants demonstrate an increase in mindfulness levels and a decrease in anxiety when delivered in-person or online.
• When the AMA course is completed in-person, scores of somatization and depressive symptoms also decrease.
• Most participants who were interviewed commented that the AMA course impacted them positively and provided tools to cope with everyday challenges.

Program Details

• Degree Level: Masters Research Projects
• Degree Name: Master of Health Science
• Grantor: Auckland University of Technology
• Language: English
• Type: Research Project
• Subjects: Mindfulness, Primary health, Mindfulness-based meditation, Wellbeing

Thesis Information

• Title: An Evaluation of a Mindfulness Meditation-Based Program for Tāmaki Health Patients
• Author: Kerslake, April
• Advisor: Wrapson, Wendy, Siegert, Richard
• Date: 2022
• Publisher: Auckland University of Technology
• Rights: OpenAccess
• URI: Not specified
• Thesis File: KerslakeA.pdf (3.62 MB, Adobe Portable Document Format)