Mindfulness training for parents to help prevent substance use in adolescents
Official title: Efficacy and Neurobiological Mechanisms of a Parenting-Focused Mindfullness Intervention to Prevent Adolescent Substance Use
Funded at George Mason University · NIH-11092156 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | July 15, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $590,045 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA052427-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092156 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are parents of adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are experiencing high levels of stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not parents or whose children are not within the adolescent age range may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
George Mason University
Fairfax, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaplin, Tara M — George Mason University
- Study coordinator: Chaplin, Tara M
Related research
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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.