Multi-Site Feasibility Testing a Meditation App for Youth in the Legal System

Improving Psychological Wellbeing and Decreasing Psychological Distress Among Youth in the Legal System: Multi-Site Feasibility Trial of a Mindfulness Meditation App

This multi-site feasibility clinical trial aims to assess the feasibility of implementing a 1-month app-based meditation program with youth in 4 heterogeneous juvenile legal systems across Oregon and New York. The primary question it is designed to answer is: Will youth adequately adhere to the 1-month meditation app across sites? Secondary feasibility outcomes pertain to recruitment, randomization, retention, and survey completion.

The investigators aim to enroll 120 youth (30/site) 13-20 years old who report regular access to an Apple or Android smartphone. Following completion of a baseline survey, participants will be individually randomized at a 1:1 ratio to 1 of 2 smartphone app conditions: (1) Bodhi AIM (Action In Mindfulness), a 30-day meditation app or (2) HIB (Health In Balance), a health promotion control app matched to Bodhi AIM for time and structure. Follow-up assessments will occur at 1 and 6 months. All study activities will be remote.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 13-20 years old
• In probation or related programming (i.e., in legal programming but not detained) in Oregon or New York State
• Have access to an Apple/Android smartphone
• Understand and provide assent/consent
• Have legal guardian permission (if under 18 years old)
• English-speaking, due to norming of instruments

Exclusion Criteria:

- There are no exclusion criteria.