Mindfulness-based neurofeedback for college students from underrepresented backgrounds
Mindful Minds: Acceptability and Feasibility of Mindfulness-Based Neurofeedback Training for Racial and Ethnic Minority Scholars
This study is testing a mindfulness program using brain feedback to see if it can help college students from underrepresented backgrounds do better in school and feel less anxious.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Florida International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Miami, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06784934 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates a mindfulness-based neurofeedback intervention aimed at improving academic performance and reducing anxiety among racial and ethnic minority college students. Utilizing NeuroSky and BrainTrain technology, the program integrates mindfulness principles to enhance self-regulation skills. Continuous heart rate variability data will be collected to monitor stress levels, sleep, and exercise, while assessing the acceptability and feasibility of this approach. The research addresses the unique challenges faced by minority students in higher education, including mental health issues stemming from discrimination and negative campus climates.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are college students aged 18 to 30 from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds currently enrolled in a four-year university.
Not a fit: Patients with severe depression, neurological conditions, or those taking specific medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance academic performance and reduce anxiety for underrepresented college students.
How similar studies have performed: While mindfulness and neurofeedback have shown promise in improving mental health and performance, this specific approach targeting underrepresented college students is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 30 years old * Currently enrolled in a 4-year university * Individuals from an ethnic or racial minority background (i.e., "The minority racial and ethnic groups defined by Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) are American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. The ethnicity used is Latino or Hispanic.") Exclusion Criteria: * Severe depression (cut off score of 15 or higher on Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)) * Previously receiving biofeedback training. * Severe medical condition (e.g., pacemaker, cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, diabetes). * Showing symptoms of psychosis * Having a neurological condition (e.g., Parkinson's disease) that would complicate the interpretation of physiological data. * Taking medications such as SSRIs, alpha/beta-blockers, or withdrawal or maintenance medications (e.g., Librium, methadone) * Using substances such as tobacco and illicit drugs, and 8)alcohol consumption as defined by National Institute of Health (NIH) as "more than 2 drinks (1 drink for women) in a day or drinking more than 5 drinks (4 for women) on the same occasion (i.e., at the same time or within a couple of hours of each other) on at least 1 day in the past month" are excluded due to their potential to affect the data.
Where this trial is running
Miami, Florida
- Florida International University — Miami, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amelia D Saul, PhD — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Amelia D Saul, PhD
- Email: asaul@fiu.edu
- Phone: 3053483472
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.