200 Participants Needed

Meditation App for Emotion Regulation in Youth on Probation

(ProjectAIM Trial)

DM
AD
Overseen ByAshley D Kendall, PhD
Age: < 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention delivered to justice-involved youth on probation via smartphone app on youths' emotion regulation and HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk-taking behaviors (i.e., alcohol use, cannabis use, sexual behaviors, and aggressive behaviors).

Do I have to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the idea that Meditation App for Emotion Regulation in Youth on Probation is an effective treatment?

The available research shows that mindfulness-based interventions, like the Meditation App for Emotion Regulation, can help adolescents with mental health issues. One study found that these interventions improved mental health outcomes and reduced psychological distress in adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Another study highlighted that mindfulness training helped incarcerated adolescents with substance use issues, suggesting it could be effective for youth on probation. Additionally, mindfulness meditation is suggested to aid in brain development and promote positive behavior in adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system. These findings indicate that the Meditation App could be a beneficial treatment for youth on probation.12345

What safety data exists for the meditation app treatment?

The safety data for mindfulness-based interventions, which may include the meditation app treatment, is limited. However, a study titled 'First, do no harm: An intensive experience sampling study of adverse effects to mindfulness training' suggests that there is a need to understand the common domains, frequency, severity, risk for, and context of adverse responses to mindfulness meditation practice. This indicates that while mindfulness-based interventions are generally considered safe, there is ongoing research to better understand potential adverse effects.16789

Is the treatment in the trial 'Meditation App for Emotion Regulation in Youth on Probation' a promising treatment?

Yes, the treatment is promising. Meditation and mindfulness-based interventions have shown positive effects on self-regulation, mental health, and emotional management in youth, including those in the justice system. Participants often report feeling less stressed and better able to manage emotions and behavior.1011121314

Research Team

AD

Ashley D Kendall, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Illinois at Chicago

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for justice-involved youth aged 13-18 on probation in Chicago's Cook County. Participants must understand consent procedures, speak English, have a legal guardian's permission if under 18, agree to participate, and own an Apple or Android phone. Those detained or in DCFS care are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

On probation in the Chicago Cook County Juvenile Justice System
I am between 13 and 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Are in care of DCFS
Unable to understand the permission/consent/assent process
I am currently detained.
See 4 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Bodhi AIM
  • HIB
Trial OverviewThe study compares two groups: one uses the Bodhi AIM meditation app (intervention group) and the other does not (control group). It aims to see if the app helps with emotion control and reduces risky behaviors related to HIV/STI like alcohol/cannabis use, sexual activity, and aggression.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Bodhi AIMExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants randomized to the intervention group will receive the Bodhi AIM app
Group II: HIBActive Control1 Intervention
Participants randomized to the health promotion control group will receive the HIB app

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Illinois at Chicago

Lead Sponsor

Trials
653
Recruited
1,574,000+

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Collaborator

Trials
2,658
Recruited
3,409,000+

Findings from Research

A 5-week mindfulness-based intervention for adolescents with psychiatric disorders led to significant decreases in psychological distress and increases in mindfulness and self-esteem, indicating its potential effectiveness.
Both adolescents and their parents reported improvements in functioning, suggesting that the intervention is not only feasible and acceptable but also beneficial for mental health, warranting further research in a randomized controlled study.
Taming the adolescent mind: preliminary report of a mindfulness-based psychological intervention for adolescents with clinical heterogeneous mental health diagnoses.Tan, L., Martin, G.[2022]
The mindfulness-based relapse prevention for alcohol dependence (MBRP-A) did not show significant improvements in drinking outcomes compared to usual care alone in a study of 123 alcohol-dependent adults over 26 weeks.
However, participants who attended more MBRP-A sessions and practiced mindfulness techniques at home tended to have better long-term drinking-related outcomes, suggesting that adherence to the intervention may be beneficial.
Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for alcohol dependence: Findings from a randomized controlled trial.Zgierska, AE., Burzinski, CA., Mundt, MP., et al.[2020]
The study focused on teaching mindfulness to 10 incarcerated adolescents with substance use issues, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in this specific population.
Using a grounded theory approach over a year, the research aimed to develop effective methods for teaching mindfulness, indicating a significant gap in existing literature on this topic.
Mindfulness training as an intervention for substance user incarcerated adolescents: a pilot grounded theory study.Himelstein, S., Saul, S., Garcia-Romeu, A., et al.[2016]

References

Taming the adolescent mind: preliminary report of a mindfulness-based psychological intervention for adolescents with clinical heterogeneous mental health diagnoses. [2022]
Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for alcohol dependence: Findings from a randomized controlled trial. [2020]
Mindfulness training as an intervention for substance user incarcerated adolescents: a pilot grounded theory study. [2016]
The contribution of mindfulness to outpatient substance use disorder treatment in Brazil: a preliminary study. [2021]
Mindfulness and meditation as an adjunctive treatment for adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system: Is repairing the brain and nervous system possible? [2018]
Thai Buddhism-Based Mindfulness for Pain Management in Thai Outpatients with Cancer: A Pilot Study. [2023]
Mindfulness-based stress reduction for urban youth. [2022]
A pilot study examining the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on symptoms of chronic mild traumatic brain injury/postconcussive syndrome. [2019]
First, do no harm: An intensive experience sampling study of adverse effects to mindfulness training. [2021]
10.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
A Pilot Study to Adapt a Trauma-Informed, Mindfulness-Based Yoga Intervention for Justice-Involved Youth. [2022]
11.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Young Offenders: a Scoping Review. [2023]
Acceptance and commitment therapy universal prevention program for adolescents: a feasibility study. [2020]
13.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Meditation improves self-regulation over the life span. [2021]
14.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Mindfulness-based interventions with youth: A comprehensive meta-analysis of group-design studies. [2018]