Mindstream performs independent audience research on the beliefs and behaviours of the mind-body-spirit movement and topics within it among the public and the professional workforce. We publish reports directly and we perform research for clients through our COMMUNICATIONS and DIGITAL consulting projects. This work is headed by founder Liza Horan, who earned a Master of Science degree in Strategic Communications from Columbia University (N.Y.), and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with Journalism from Mount Saint Mary's University (Md.). She has led research projects at employers and for clients across a variety of fields.
Her most recent research has been on behalf of the Frontier Journalists' Network to understand the challenges and opportunities of covering topics at the intersection of science and spirituality; how to raise the visibility of scientific research among mainstream scientists, academics and researchers for a large international organisation; and on-going research to produce the first ever report on mind-body-spirit movement.
We welcome opportunities to collaborate with other research bodies, projects and organisations to learn how to accelerate the mind-body-spirit movement and conscious living.
2023 | "The State of the Mind-Body-Spirit Movement" report
Research for this new report, due to be published in 3Q2023, is under way. In addition to defining and scoping the movement, the report will gauge the acceptance of mind-body-spirit disciplines and practices across a variety of factors. If you'd like to participate in the online survey, which expands upon the original survey we conducted in 2017, please get in touch. This report is the first of its kind and will be updated and published on a bi-annual basis. Mindstream's report is being produced in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen's Institute of Applied Health Sciences.
2017 | BELIEFS & BEHAVIOURS WITHIN THE MIND-BODY-SPIRIT MOVEMENT
Mindstream conducted an online survey to gauge the needs, perceptions and behaviours of both sides of the mind-body-spirit industry -- consumers and professionals -- in order to create a baseline of measurement to track the movement, and also to inform development of our products and services.
Understanding the nature of this developing sector of wellness is vital to Mindstream as a solution, and the insights gained will be useful to all sectors of society.
Research participants were sourced through social media, through direct online contact and through a collaboration with The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre, a mind-body-spirit centre in Edinburgh.
INSIGHTS
Research reveals that word-of-mouth is the strongest driver of information and referrals to mind-body-spirit resources, and it can be difficult to find credible information and the right provider for services. The majority of professionals are self-employed workers who are stretched with competing priorities of delivering their services and handling administrative tasks (marketing, technology, bookkeeping, etc.). Mind-body-spirit providers generally are certified in their specialties, and many do belong to professional associations, yet the public isn't educated on standards or certifying organisations so pros' credentials aren't recognized to their full potential. Objective measures aren't the only consideration, though: Referrals are the most powerful influencer to seeking mind-body-spirit solutions and booking professionals.
More than 100 people completed the online questionnaire and told us:
- The public needs more education on mind-body-spirit disciplines. (84% Pros)
- Professionals are ready to be part of the movement to educate the public. (70% Pros)
- Mind-body-spirit disciplines lack credibility in the view of the public. (68% Pros)
- A digital platform that serves as an independent resource to educate the public would be beneficial. (66% Pros said 'yes' and 29% are 'undecided', meaning they would need to hear details.)
- The public would use a digital platform that helps them connect with others interested in mind-body-spirit (79%), find professional providers based on their criteria (79%), and discover which modalities/therapies best suit them (68%).
This is just a high-level snapshot of some insights. More will be revealed in future blog posts, but one thing is clear:
There is a mandate for an independent resource for mind-body-spirit learning, connection and action. That is Mindstream.
If you are interested in learning more about our research, please contact Liza Horan.