Micropractices for Unhoused LGBTQ Youth

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.

Conditions

• Well-Being (Psychological Flourishing)
• Internalizing Mental Health Symptoms
• Substance Abuse

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Mindfulness 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.

BEHAVIORAL

Control 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Mind & Life Institute

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Cornell University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

16 Years

Max Age

26 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-10-31

Primary Completion

2026-11-30

Completion

2027-01-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations