Using a mindfulness app to help youth in the legal system improve their mental health
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-10972716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $594,640 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AT012892-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10972716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are youth on probation who are experiencing psychological distress and are open to using a smartphone app for mindfulness practices.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in the legal system or those who do not have access to a smartphone may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a mindfulness meditation app can support youth involved in the legal system by improving their psychological wellbeing and reducing distress. The approach involves teaching meditation techniques through a smartphone app, making it accessible for youth on probation in their everyday lives. The study builds on previous findings that showed promise in engaging these youth and aims to implement a larger trial to assess the app's effectiveness. Participants will be recruited from the Chicago Cook County juvenile legal system, focusing on their unique needs and challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide youth in the legal system with effective tools to manage their emotions and improve their mental health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in using mindfulness apps for mental health improvement, indicating a promising approach for this population.
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.
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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.