Improving wellbeing in STEM graduate students through storytelling and mindfulness

Determining the Effect of Mindfulness and Storytelling on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) Graduate Student Wellbeing

Not applicable Interventional University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT05826860

This study is testing whether storytelling workshops and a mindfulness app can help improve the wellbeing of graduate students in STEM fields at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other
Locations1 site (Madison, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT05826860 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates an intervention aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of graduate students in STEM fields at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Participants will engage in storytelling workshops and use a mindfulness mobile app over a two-week period, alongside completing surveys to assess their wellbeing and academic success. The study will compare results from those participating in the intervention with a control group that only completes surveys. Data collection will occur over a span of up to two years, with the overall study lasting four years.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are graduate students aged 18 or older enrolled in a STEM program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with no significant prior experience in mindfulness practice.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those under 18 or those with significant experience in mindfulness practices.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and academic performance of STEM graduate students.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of storytelling and mindfulness in this context may be novel, similar studies have shown positive outcomes in improving wellbeing through mindfulness interventions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 or older
* Current graduate student in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
* No significant experience with mindfulness practice

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under 18
* Significant experience with mindfulness practice
* Not a current graduate student in a STEM field at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Where this trial is running

Madison, Wisconsin

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions DepressionAnxietyBurnout, Studentstudent burnoutmindfulnesscreative writinggraduate studentsSTEM education
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.