Preventive interventions for at-risk high school students with conduct problems

Pathways 2 Success: A Study of School-Based Prevention Programs Supporting Positive Adolescent Development

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional University of Minnesota · NCT06831123

This study is testing three different programs to see if they can help high school students who are at risk for behavior problems feel better and make better choices.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota Academic / other
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT06831123 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study is a randomized controlled trial that evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of three different preventive interventions aimed at reducing the risk of conduct problems in adolescents. High school students identified as at risk will be assigned to one of three groups: a mindfulness-based program, a mindfulness-based program enhanced with a mobile app, or a life skills program. Assessments will be conducted by adolescents, parents, and teachers at baseline, two weeks after the intervention, and at a three-month follow-up to measure outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are 9th or 10th grade students in partner schools who have been identified as at risk for conduct problems.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving special education services for behavioral or emotional disturbances or those with serious psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective preventive strategies to help at-risk adolescents manage conduct problems and improve their social-emotional well-being.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mindfulness and life skills programs for adolescents, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. A 9th or 10th grade student in a partner school district
2. Referral due to elevated social/emotional risk indicated on a standardized screening tool or a referral from school support staff due to concerns about school-based conduct problems
3. Adolescents and their parents must be fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Currently receiving special education services (i.e., an IEP) due to a behavioral or emotional disturbance
2. Existing diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, pervasive developmental disorders, developmental/intellectual disability, or serious psychiatric disorders requiring specialized mental health treatment (e.g., psychosis, bipolar, substance use disorder, etc.)

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Conduct DisorderOppositional Defiant Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.