Mindfulness app to support youth in the legal system
Official title: Improving Psychological Wellbeing and Decreasing Psychological Distress among Youth in the Legal System: Multi-Site Feasibility Trial of a Mindfulness Meditation App
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11349688 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-site, youth-focused trial tests a mindfulness meditation smartphone app to boost wellbeing and reduce distress for young people on probation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $554,957 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AT012892-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11349688 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Youth on probation or under supervision who own or have access to an Android smartphone.
✕Less likely to help
Youth without access to smartphones or not using Android devices may not benefit directly from this app.
What this research studies
This project adapts an evidence-based mindfulness app for youth on probation and tests it in a remote feasibility trial across multiple sites. It builds an age-appropriate, engaging app and a comparison control app, with automated systems to keep participants engaged. The study uses randomized assignment, remote monitoring, and follow-ups to assess feasibility, adherence, and acceptability in real-world conditions. The goal is to lay the groundwork for a powered trial that could improve everyday functioning and long-term health for youth involved in the juvenile legal system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could make mindfulness practice easier and more accessible for youth on probation, potentially improving mood and reducing distress.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data showed feasible recruitment, good adherence, and retention in a smaller prior study, supporting this feasibility effort.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kendall, Ashley D. — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kendall, Ashley D.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A Mindfulness App for Youth in the Legal System
This project offers a mindfulness meditation app to help young people in the legal system feel better and reduce stress.
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This study is looking at how a mindfulness meditation app can help young people in the legal system feel better and less stressed, making it easier for them to use these techniques in their daily lives while on probation.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.