# Adapting a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for emotion regulation and impulsivity in homeless young adults: a pilot project

> **NIH NIH R34** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · 2022 · $236,699

## Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) enhance self-observation and self-regulation and build skills to
increase non-judgmental attention and emotional reappraisal. While found to be effective in many youth
populations, to date, very few rigorous trials testing these methods have been conducted among YEH and
none of the tested interventions have been tailored specifically for YEH in a trauma-informed way that is
optimized for delivery in a shelter setting. To implement a rigorous randomized controlled trial (RCT), we must
first determine the feasibility of conducting an attention control randomized trial and optimize outcome
measures, as well as recruitment and retention strategies.
Building on the promising results of our pilot study, the goal of this R34 is to further tailor an MBI .b
(pronounced dot-b) and conduct a feasibility pilot at a homeless youth shelter in Houston, TX. Data from this
study will lay the groundwork for rigorous intervention testing in a real-world sheltered sample of YEH. Our
strong partnerships with shelters will ensure that the intervention is modified in a trauma-informed way in
collaboration with point-of-care service providers to approximate broad dissemination. A trauma-informed
approach has three elements 1. realizing the prevalence of trauma, 2. recognizing how trauma affects all
individuals involved, and (3) putting this knowledge into practice. MBIs may address the root causes of risk
behaviors in YEH by targeting stress and emotion regulation using mindfulness strategies 2 to decrease
stress, improve emotion regulation, impulsivity, and increase executive function. We will use a participatory
action approach to develop, beta test, and conduct an attention control randomized pilot study.
The specific aims for this R34 exploratory clinical trial of a mind and body intervention are to: 1. Tailor .b and
finalize the attention control condition using focus group discussions (n=56), key informant interviews (n=12),
and iterative beta-testing with the Homeless Youth Working Group (HYWG; n=10); 2. Optimize RCT outcome
measures using cognitive interviews with the HYWG (n=10); 3. Conduct an attention control randomized trial of
the final tailored MBI with 60 YEH 18-24 years old recruited from a shelter to test real-world feasibility and
acceptability (Evaluate recruitment, randomization, and follow-up strategies; adherence to intervention dose;
retention benchmarks; and acceptability among YEH, and evaluate the preliminary assessment of outcome
measures and outcome effects. Data from this R34 will inform the development of a Phased Innovation Award
to Optimize Mind and Body Interventions by finalizing the intervention, optimizing the recruitment and retention
strategies, informing the final sample size for a larger randomized trial, and finalizing the outcome measures
needed.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10477381
- **Project number:** 5R34AT010672-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Diane M. Santa Maria
- **Activity code:** R34 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $236,699
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-21 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10477381

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10477381, Adapting a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for emotion regulation and impulsivity in homeless young adults: a pilot project (5R34AT010672-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10477381. Licensed CC0.

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