Finding presence during a pandemic – a qualitative analysis of participation in an Irish University online mindfulness practice during the COVID-19 emergency. The candidate interview questions used in this study.

In response to the change and distress that many faced during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, a twice weekly online practice of mindfulness meditation was delivered to staff, students and the wider community outside of the University of Galway, Ireland. Mindfulness is a contemplative practice which improves coping skills and reduce emotional distress. This qualitative study consisted of a short structured interview process to explore the participants’ experience of the online practice of mindfulness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the offered regular online practice of mindfulness meditation for participants during the COVID emergency, exploring through qualitative analysis of their own lived experience with this intervention. This is a list of the questions used in the structured interview process of participants.