Evaluating a meditation app for youth on probation
Official title: Effectiveness and Implementation of a Meditation App Addressing Substance Use, Sexual Health, and Emotion Regulation Among Legal-Involved Youth
Run by University of Illinois Chicago · NCT06997120 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a meditation app can help young people on probation in Cook County improve their mental health and reduce cannabis use over a month.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 20 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | March 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06997120 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are youth aged 13-20 who are on probation in Cook County and have access to a smartphone.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not on probation or do not have access to a smartphone may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a one-month meditation app designed for youth on probation in Cook County, Illinois. It involves a randomized controlled trial where participants will be assigned to either the meditation app or a control app, with health outcomes measured through self-reports and real-time assessments. The study will explore improvements in behavioral health, particularly regarding cannabis use, and the role of emotion regulation in these outcomes. Adherence to the app will also be monitored through in-app analytics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved behavioral health outcomes for youth involved in the legal system.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on mindfulness and meditation, this specific approach targeting youth in the legal system is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 13-20 years old * In probation programming (i.e., in legal programming but not detained) in Cook County * Have access to an Apple/Android smartphone * Understand and provide assent/consent * Have legal guardian permission (if under 18 years old) * English-speaking, due to norming of instruments
Where it's running
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
See if the Parenting Young Children Check-up helps with behavior in kids ages 2-5
This trial tests the Parenting Young Children Check-up to see if it improves behavior and reduces parenting stress for families with young children in a Detroit pediatric clinic serving low-income families.
-
Parenting Young Children Check-up in a Detroit clinic
This trial tests whether the Parenting Young Children Check-up helps improve behavior, parenting, and stress for parents of 2- to 5-year-olds compared with usual care.
-
Meditation app feasibility for youth in the juvenile legal system
This study tests whether teens in probation can stick with a 1-month meditation app, comparing Bodhi AIM to a healthy-choices app across four juvenile programs.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.