Parenting-focused mindfulness to prevent adolescent substance use
Official title: Efficacy and Neurobiological Mechanisms of a Parenting-Focused Mindfullness Intervention to Prevent Adolescent Substance Use
Funded at George Mason University · NIH-11333716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A parenting-focused mindfulness program for stressed parents of adolescents may lower family stress and help prevent substance use and related problems in teens.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $440,955 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA052427-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11333716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are parents of adolescents experiencing high stress who are willing to participate in a mindfulness-based program and associated assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Families not interested in mindfulness or those unable to participate in long-term follow-up may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on prior pilot work showing that mindfulness for parents can reduce stress and improve parenting behaviors. It aims to run a larger trial to see if the benefits on parent stress and adolescent outcomes hold over time and across diverse families. The study will examine brain-related mechanisms, like how stress and parenting interact with neural pathways involved in emotion and decision-making. If successful, it could point to a developmentally tailored approach that families can use to reduce youth risk for substance use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, families may experience less stress and better parenting, which could lower teens’ risk of starting or escalating substance use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous findings from a pilot trial showed positive effects on parent stress and some adolescent outcomes, suggesting potential for broader impact.
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
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mindfulness training for parents to help prevent substance use in adolescents
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A web-based program to help parents prevent substance use in teens
This study is looking at how a helpful online program can support parents in guiding their kids away from substance use by teaching them how to handle media that shows drugs and alcohol, so they can better protect their children during their teenage years.
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Improving contraception decisions for women with substance use disorders after childbirth
A patient-centered decision tool called MyPath aims to help postpartum women with substance use disorders choose and keep effective contraception after giving birth.
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.