Mindfulness training for parents to help prevent substance use in adolescents
Efficacy and Neurobiological Mechanisms of a Parenting-Focused Mindfullness Intervention to Prevent Adolescent Substance Use
This study is looking at how a mindfulness program for stressed parents can help them feel less overwhelmed and be better parents, which may also help their teenagers avoid using drugs or alcohol.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Mason University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairfax, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11092156 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how a mindfulness intervention aimed at parents can reduce stress and improve parenting behaviors, ultimately preventing substance use in adolescents. The study involves a randomized controlled trial where highly-stressed parents participate in the Parenting Mindfully intervention. By focusing on the neurobiological mechanisms involved, the research aims to understand how reducing parent stress can positively impact adolescent behavior and mental health. Participants will be assessed for changes in stress levels and parenting practices, as well as their adolescents' substance use and psychological symptoms over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are parents of adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are experiencing high levels of stress.
Not a fit: Patients who are not parents or whose children are not within the adolescent age range may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective strategies for parents to reduce their stress and, in turn, lower the risk of substance use in their children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that mindfulness interventions can effectively reduce stress in adults, suggesting a promising avenue for preventing adolescent substance use.
Where this research is happening
Fairfax, United States
- George Mason University — Fairfax, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaplin, Tara M — George Mason University
- Study coordinator: Chaplin, Tara M
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 below.