Mindfulness program to boost retention and mood for first-generation college students in rural areas
Mindfulness-Based Interventions Targeting First-Generation College Student Retention in Rural Environments
This program will test whether a short, remote mindfulness meditation course helps first-generation college students stay in college and reduce anxiety or depression.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 53 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of South Dakota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sioux Falls, South Dakota) |
| Trial ID | NCT06789731 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a remote, two-arm randomized trial that will enroll 53 first-generation students attending four-year colleges in the United States. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a loving-kindness mindfulness meditation group or a psychoeducation group, each meeting once weekly for 30 minutes over four weeks. Outcomes measured by a blinded researcher include intention to persist in college (primary) and symptoms of anxiety and depression (secondary) at baseline, one week post-treatment, and one month follow-up. The study will also measure change in sense of connection during the final session as a proposed mechanism of effect.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking, first-generation college students aged 18 or older who are currently enrolled at a U.S. four-year college and have access to WiFi and a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Not a fit: Students who are not first-generation, not enrolled at a four-year college, unable to access WiFi or a device, or who do not speak English are unlikely to be eligible or receive benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a low-cost, remote way to increase college retention and improve emotional well-being among first-generation students.
How similar studies have performed: Brief mindfulness programs have shown benefits for anxiety and depression in prior research, but applying loving-kindness meditation specifically to improve retention among first-generation college students is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 18 years or older. Currently enrolled in four-year college in the United States. First-generation college student. Access to WiFi and a computer/smartphone/tablet. English speaking. Exclusion Criteria: Not currently enrolled in a four-year college. Not a first-generation college student. Non-English speaker. Not able to utilize WiFi or computer/tablet/smartphone.
Where this trial is running
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- University of South Dakota — Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Natalie Lecy — University of South Dakota
- Study coordinator: Natalie Lecy
- Email: natalie.lecy@usd.edu
- Phone: 6058644151
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.