Intervention for preschoolers' mental health and wellness

Food-Body-Mind Intervention: Promote Whole Child Health

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Michigan State University · NCT06597474

This study is testing a 16-week program that combines mindfulness activities for preschoolers and their caregivers to see if it helps improve mental health for kids from low-income families.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment800 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 5 Years
SexAll
SponsorMichigan State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Jackson, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT06597474 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention targets mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in preschoolers aged 3-5 years from low-income backgrounds. It includes a 16-week program that combines school-based mindfulness practices, such as mindful eating and yoga, with home-based activities for caregivers to foster a supportive environment. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this multi-component approach in improving health outcomes for both children and their caregivers. By addressing disparities in mental health, the intervention seeks to promote health equity among racially and ethnically diverse preschoolers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are preschoolers aged 3-5 years attending Head Start programs, along with their primary caregivers.

Not a fit: Children with motor disabilities or specific medical conditions that restrict dietary changes or physical activity may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health and wellness in preschoolers, leading to better emotional and behavioral outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mindfulness and family-based interventions to improve mental health outcomes in children, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Parental consent and child (if the child is 5 years) verbal assent received
2. Children are 3-5 years old attending a Head Start program and caregivers are the primary adult caregivers for the children
3. Caregivers are willing to use Facebook or the private program website for participation
4. Participants have at least weekly internet access using a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer

Exclusion Criteria:

1. preschoolers who have a motor disability or impairment (e.g., cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, lost or damaged limb, motor skills disorder, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida) preventing them from participating in any physical activity;
2. preschoolers who have a diagnosed medical condition (e.g., phenylketonuria, pediatric malabsorption syndrome, pollen food allergy syndrome) requiring a restrict diet and precluding them from any dietary changes particularly fruit/vegetable intake; and
3. preschoolers who have diagnosed disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder level 3) causing severe difficulty (e.g., nonverbal, cannot initiate social interaction) with communication and interaction with other people.

There will be no exclusion criterion for primary adult caregivers, as the primary focus is preschoolers and caregivers serve as a support role.

Where this trial is running

Jackson, Michigan

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 Mental Health WellnessEmotional ProblemBehavioral Problem of ChildSocial SkillsObesity, ChildhoodMindfulnessMindful eatingYoga
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.