Developing and Evaluating Collaboratively Designed Mindfulness and Identity-Affirming Practices for Unhoused LGBTQ Youth
Cornell University
Summary
In the present study, the investigators will conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of brief, co-designed mindfulness and identity-affirming micropractices for LGBTQ youth and young adults experiencing housing instability. Participants (n = 200, accounting for anticipated attrition) will be randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (1) a mindfulness and identity-based micropractice condition or (2) a structurally equivalent neutral control condition. The intervention content will be developed using a participatory co-design process with members of the target population and standardized prior to trial implementation. The mindfulness and identity condition integrates brief practices targeting present-moment awareness and identity affirmation, whereas the control condition accounts for time and attention without including these components. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Primary outcomes include feasibility and acceptability, assessed using standardized implementation outcome measures and indicators of intervention adherence. Secondary outcomes include changes in mental health symptoms, psychological and emotional well-being, and substance use. The investigators will evaluate whether the mindfulness and identity-based condition demonstrates greater improvements in outcomes compared to the control condition and will estimate effect sizes to inform the design of future fully powered trials. The intervention will be delivered via a mobile-accessible platform.
Description
Specific Aim 1: Evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of delivering co-designed mindfulness and identity-affirming micropractices to LGBTQ youth experiencing housing instability over a 30-day period. Hypothesis 1: Participants in the mindfulness and identity-based condition will demonstrate higher adherence (e.g., daily completion rates) and report greater acceptability compared to the neutral control condition. Specific Aim 2: Determine whether the mindfulness and identity-based micropractice condition, relative to the control condition, is associated with improvements in psychological a…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 16–26 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 16 to 26 years * Self-identify as LGBTQ * Currently or recently experiencing housing instability (within the past six months) * Have access to a mobile device with internet capability to complete study activities Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to complete study procedures (e.g., lack of device access)
Interventions
- BehavioralMindfulness and Identity-Based Micropractice
Participants will complete a brief daily micropractice (approximately 1-5 minutes per day) that integrates mindfulness (e.g., attention to breathing or present-moment awareness) with reflection on personally meaningful aspects of identity. The micropractice is co-designed with members of the target population, standardized prior to the trial, and delivered via a mobile-accessible platform.
- BehavioralControl Condition Micropractice
Participants will complete a brief daily activity (approximately 1-5 minutes per day) matched in structure and delivery format to the intervention condition, but without mindfulness or identity-based content. Activities include neutral reflections (e.g., daily routines or surroundings) and are delivered via a mobile-accessible platform.
Location
- Ali Forney CenterNew York, New York