Speaker
Description
Authors: Timothy Piehler (University of Minnesota), Rachel Lucas-Thompson (Colorado State University), Nicole Morrell (University of Minnesota)
Background: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) promote self-regulation skills in adolescents, which are critical for preventing conduct problems such as aggression, defiance, and violence. However, MBIs have rarely been tested for their effectiveness with adolescents at risk for conduct problems. Furthermore, many youth struggle to apply mindfulness skills during real-world stress, limiting the preventive potential of these programs.
Integrating mobile apps with in-person MBIs may help bridge this gap. In-person sessions build foundational skills, while apps can support daily use and skill generalization. Using a stakeholder engaged process, we developed and piloted Learning to BREATHE Plus App (L2B+App)—a combined in-person and mobile intervention—designed for adolescents. L2B+App supplements the 6-session, evidence-based L2B curriculum with mobile features including: (1) a library of guided mindfulness practices, (2) daily motivational messages, and (3) just-in-time support triggered by stress check-ins.
Methods: We recently launched a pilot 3-arm randomized controlled trail, including L2B+App, standard L2B with no app component, and an active control condition. We are in the process of recruiting 120 adolescents (ages 14 - 16) who have been identified through standardized screening procedures to be at risk for escalations in school-based conduct problems. We are assessing feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary intervention outcomes, including self-regulation, mindfulness skills, and conduct problems. Intervention facilitators are also providing feedback on implementation.
Results: Preliminary findings support the feasibility of delivering L2B+App in school settings. Youth and facilitators successfully engaged with the app, and early feedback indicates high satisfaction and ease of use.
Discussion: Our study will yield important feasibility and acceptability data for the use of an MBI augmented with a mobile app in a novel population of adolescents at risk for conduct problems. This approach has the potential to innovate our delivery of MBIs with adolescents and accelerate the development of novel intervention approaches for adolescent conduct problems.
| Conflict of interest | None |
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