Optimizing human and digital support in a meditation app for depression and anxiety
Official title: Optimizing the integration between human and digital support in a meditation app for depression and anxiety
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11375419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at UW–Madison will test how adding small amounts of coaching and reminders to a popular meditation app can help people with depression or anxiety use it more and feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $661,884 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH139512-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11375419 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with clinically elevated symptoms of depression and/or anxiety who download the Healthy Minds Program app.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without symptoms or those not using the app may not experience direct benefit from the intervention strategies tested.
What this research studies
This project will test a widely used meditation app called Healthy Minds Program among adults with elevated mood symptoms. Researchers will use a 2x2x2 factorial design plus micro-randomization to see which combinations of introductory coaching, on-demand coaching, and digital prompts work best. Participants will be randomly assigned to different support conditions and receive updates and prompts to see what improves engagement and outcomes. The study aims to identify who benefits most and when, while preserving the app’s scalability. It will involve close monitoring of symptoms and app usage over time to guide future optimization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could make the app more effective for people with depression or anxiety by identifying the most helpful types and timing of support.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows digital coaching and prompts can improve engagement, but results vary by population and implementation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldberg, Simon B — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Goldberg, Simon B
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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.