Mindfulness for kids with body-focused behaviors
Official title: Mindfulness Intervention and Its Impact on Psychological and Family Dynamics in Children With Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors.
Run by Children's Hospital of Fudan University · NCT06777212 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a daily mindfulness program helps children aged 8–18 reduce nail-biting, skin-picking, and similar behaviors more than a basic psychosocial education program.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital of Fudan University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06777212 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 8–18 with observable BFRBs (nail-biting, skin-picking, or hair-pulling) who have not recently received other psychological treatments for BFRBs.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants currently receiving other psychological or pharmacological treatments for BFRBs, or with conditions that limit participation, may have limited benefit from the mindfulness program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-site randomized trial compares a mindfulness training program to a psychosocial education control for children and teens with body-focused repetitive behaviors. Participants follow a 30-day regimen with guided practices and parent involvement, and outcomes include changes in BFRBs and emotional well-being. Standardized assessments will measure behavior frequency, anxiety, and family dynamics to determine if mindfulness offers added benefit. The study is led by the Children’s Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai and aims to clarify if mindfulness can be a non-pharmacological option for managing BFRBs in youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could provide a practical, non-pharmacological option to reduce BFRBs and improve emotional and family well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests mindfulness can help with impulse control and anxiety, supporting potential benefits for BFRBs, though results are variable and more evidence is needed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:（1）Children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years. （2）Evidence of significant Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) such as nail-biting, skin-picking, or hair-pulling, observed within the last month. （3）Written informed consent provided by the parent or legal guardian, and child assent provided by the participant. \- Exclusion Criteria:（1）Presence of severe physical illness or neurological disorders that may interfere with participation in the study. （2）Participants currently receiving psychological interventions or pharmacological treatments for BFRBs or other psychiatric conditions, and who are unable to temporarily discontinue these treatments. （3）Presence of significant cognitive impairment that would prevent the participant from completing study assessments or interventions. \-
Where it's running
-
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Qiang Ding — Children's Hospital of Fudan University
- Study coordinator: Qiang Ding
- Email: johndean@foxmail.com
- Phone: +86-18818239447
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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.