Formal versus informal mindful self-compassion programs for adolescents.

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial compares two four-week mindful self-compassion interventions (MSC-F emphasizing formal meditation and MSC-I emphasizing informal practices) to a waitlist control in adolescents aged 14–19. Participants are phone-screened, provide assent/consent, attend scheduled online videoconference groups, and complete online questionnaires before and after the intervention. Primary outcomes include coping, mental health measures (stress, anxiety, depression), and academic engagement, with additional measures of acceptability and satisfaction. The trial is run from the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion in Malden, MA and requires internet-connected devices for participation.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Be 14-19 years of age for the duration of the study;
* If 14-17 years of age: have a parent with sufficient literacy skills to understand the consent process and have the ability to provide written informed consent, and have sufficient English fluency and literacy skills themselves to understand the assent process, procedures, and questionnaires and have the ability to provide written assent;
* If 18-19 years of age: have sufficient English fluency and literacy skills themselves to understand the consent process, procedures, and questionnaires and have the ability to provide written informed consent;
* Have access to the internet and an electronic device with adequate data capacity to complete questionnaires online and attend online videoconference groups;
* Be available and willing to attend the scheduled online videoconference groups for 4 weeks and complete the online assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current or past-year treatment with mindfulness-based psychotherapy (e.g., MBCT, DBT, or ACT);
* Current or past-year participation in a mindfulness- or compassion-based program;
* A routine of, on average, 10 minutes of mindfulness practice per day over the past 30 days (greater than or equal to 300 minutes);
* Simultaneous participation in another experimental research study;
* Current or past-year diagnosis of: schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorder, bipolar 1 disorder, or severe substance/alcohol use disorder;
* Current or past-month suicidal ideation;
* Hospitalization for reasons related to mental health within the past 6 months;
* Recent modifications to psychiatric medication(s) (within the last 30 days or within the last 90 days for antidepressants (e.g., SSRI, SNRI, etc.);
* Inability to complete consent/assent process or baseline assessment.

Where it's running

• Center for Mindfulness and Compassion
  Malden, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Zev Schuman-Olivier, MD — Cambridge Health Alliance
• Study coordinator: Julia Petrovic, PhD
• Email: mscteen@challiance.org
• Phone: 781-605-4429

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.