2.5.1. Guidance and Promotion of Adherence
Participants assigned to the GoD version of the intervention were given access to written, asynchronous e-coach support through the Minddistrict platform’s messaging function. They could request feedback on their entries after completing a module or ask any questions as needed. E-coaches, who were psychologists trained and supervised by the authors (H.B. and A.K.), would respond to requests within two business days. They provided semi-standardized written feedback based on an e-coach manual, using predefined text modules that were slightly adapted to individual participants’ entries. Feedback typically consisted of one DIN A4 page per intervention module and the content focused on positive reinforcement, motivation, and encouragement. Additionally, e-coaches were available to answer any other questions the participants had, e.g., about the module content or technical issues. In the first module, a welcoming message was sent to each participant by their e-coach including a short introduction on how to use GoD. In contrast, participants receiving the unguided version of StudiCare-M (UG) were not provided with e-coach guidance. Instead, they received short standardized automated feedback messages at the end of each module for reinforcement and motivation. Additionally, participants of both intervention groups were sent automated standardized e-mails by the Minddistrict platform if they had not logged in for more than a week. Finally, participants of both intervention groups were given the opportunity to sign up for an SMS coach that sent out standardized automated text messages every 2 days for 8 weeks. Messages reminded participants of their homework assignments and motivated and prompted them to integrate mindfulness into their everyday life (e.g., “Pay attention to your body signals today: What do you notice when running to the bus? Taking a hot shower? Eating your dinner?”; “The journey is the destination—implementing a more mindful daily routine isn’t always easy. Don’t get discouraged and keep at it. It’s worth it!”). 