Mindfulness program for reducing negative emotions in at-risk youth
Official title: Targeting Negative Affect Through Mindfulness Training in Youth at Risk for Internalizing Problems (R33)
Run by Vanderbilt University · NCT06526052 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if an online mindfulness program can help teenagers aged 12 to 17 who struggle with negative emotions feel better and reduce their anxiety and mood problems.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Los Angeles, California and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 2027 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06526052 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12 to 17 who exhibit high levels of trait negative affect and can provide parental consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently diagnosed with significant anxiety or depressive disorders, or those with serious suicidal ideation, will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an online mindfulness program in reducing mood and anxiety symptoms among adolescents aged 12 to 17 who exhibit high levels of negative affect. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the mindfulness intervention, an active supportive comparison condition, or a no-intervention control group. The study will assess changes in momentary negative affect and internalizing problems before, immediately after, and six months following the intervention. The goal is to determine if the mindfulness program can effectively lower negative emotions and prevent the onset of anxiety and depression in at-risk youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce mood and anxiety symptoms in adolescents, improving their overall mental health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that mindfulness interventions can effectively reduce negative affect and internalizing symptoms in children and adolescents.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 * Parental Consent * Participant Assent * Live in Illinois, California, or Tennessee Exclusion Criteria: * current diagnosis of an anxiety or depressive disorder with significant clinical impairment * current alcohol or substance use disorder * current serious suicidal ideation or behavior * lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, conduct disorder, or developmental delay * reading level below 4th grade * not English speaking at a level that would allow them to participate in the intervention and assessments
Where it's running
-
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting -
Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Judith A Garber, PhD
- Email: jgarber.vanderbilt@gmail.com
- Phone: 6153305605
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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.