NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Using a mobile app to help prevent conduct problems in adolescents

Official title: A Pilot Investigation of a Mobile Application-Enhanced Mindfulness-Based Preventive Intervention Targeting Adolescent Conduct Problems

Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11094928 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at whether a new mindfulness program, especially one that uses a mobile app, can help teenagers who struggle with aggression and defiance learn better self-control skills in school.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2024
Project endMarch 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$213,852
NIH project number5R34AT012666-02
Project IDNIH-11094928 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents who are at risk for developing conduct problems.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have conduct problems or are not at risk for such issues may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a new approach to preventing conduct problems, such as aggression and defiance, in adolescents by using a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) enhanced with a mobile application. The study will take place in a school setting and aims to help at-risk youth develop better self-control skills. Participants will be assigned to different groups to receive either the standard mindfulness program, the enhanced program with the app, or a control life skills intervention. The goal is to see if the app can help adolescents apply mindfulness skills in their daily lives, especially during stressful situations.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide adolescents with effective tools to manage their behavior and reduce conduct problems.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that mindfulness-based interventions can be effective, but this specific approach using a mobile app is novel.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Minnesota
    Minneapolis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Piehler, Timothy F — University of Minnesota
  • Study coordinator: Piehler, Timothy F

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.