Meditation app feasibility for youth in the juvenile legal system
Official title: Improving Psychological Wellbeing and Decreasing Psychological Distress Among Youth in the Legal System: Multi-Site Feasibility Trial of a Mindfulness Meditation App
Run by University of Illinois Chicago · NCT07674303 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 20 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 30, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2028 |
| Study ends | June 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07674303 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 13-20-year-olds in probation or non-detention programs within Oregon or New York who own a smartphone and can provide assent/guardian consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Youth without smartphone access or those outside the specified geographic catchments may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This multi-site feasibility trial enrolls about 120 youths aged 13-20 in Oregon and New York who have smartphone access. Participants are randomly assigned to Bodhi AIM, a 30-day meditation app, or HIB, a matched health-promotion control app, with activities conducted remotely. Follow-ups are at 1 and 6 months to assess adherence, recruitment, retention, and survey completion. The study aims to determine if a smartphone-based mindfulness intervention can be realistically implemented within juvenile legal systems. No safety exclusions are specified beyond consent and assent requirements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If feasible, the approach could offer an accessible, scalable tool to support mental well-being for youth in the legal system.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in digital mental health among youth supports feasibility for app-based interventions in youth populations, though this exact setup is novel in juvenile legal settings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 13-20 years old * In probation or related programming (i.e., in legal programming but not detained) in Oregon or New York State * 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 Exclusion Criteria: \- There are no exclusion criteria.
Where it's running
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University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ashley D Kendall, PhD
- Email: akendall@uic.edu
- Phone: 312-355-1836
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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.