A Mobile Mindfulness App for U.S. Veterans: Mind Guide (Beta-Test Phase)
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine how mobile apps that focus on mindfulness techniques and stress reduction skills can help post-9/11 veterans. Several stand-alone apps for phones have been developed, but they have yet to be tested to see if they are helpful for veterans who may living with stress or may be drinking alcohol at levels higher than they would like.
Keywords: veteran, alcohol, mental health, mindfulness, stress
Study Sites
This is a virtual study. Participation is not limited to a location.
- Men & Women
What's involved?
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About 4 weeks
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Participants will download an app on their iPhone or Android device and use the program for about 2 weeks. Usage per day can vary, but participants are encouraged to use the app daily. After using the app, participants will be asked to complete a brief online survey about their use of the app. They will then be asked to complete an online interview with a member of our research team. In that interview, they will share what they liked and did not like about using the app.
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N/A
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Surveys
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Use of a mobile app
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Attendance at online interview
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Compensation is available for participating in this study.
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N/A
Eligibility
Must have
- To be included for this study, you need to be:
- (a) A veteran aged 18 or older who has separated or discharged from military service from the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, or Navy
- (b) Not currently affiliated with active duty service or in the reserves or guard units
- (c) Served after 9/11/01
- (d) Able to read English
- (e) Own a personal smartphone with Internet access and have interest in using apps on that phone
- (f) Fill out a few items on a screening survey asking about your alcohol use, experiences with symptoms of stress, and about your use of any treatment for substance use or mental health concerns
About This Study
You are invited as a possible participant because you are a post-9/11 veteran. You will be asked to complete a screening questionnaire online to help us determine if you are eligible. These items will be about substance use and mental health symptoms. About 20 veterans will take part in the beta phase of this study. This research is being funded by the National Institutes of Health.
If you are interested in being a part of this study, please contact us and we will send you a screening survey by email. If you meet screening criteria and are interested in being a part of the study, we will connect with you by phone to tell you more about the study in detail. In brief, you will be asked to:
(1) Download an app onto your phone and complete eight modules contained in the app. The app focuses on practicing mindfulness and engaging in stress-reduction exercises.
(2) Complete two online surveys: one before downloading the app and one after completing all of the app modules.
(3) After completion of the modules, you will be asked to participate in a brief 30 minute interview with a member of our research staff about your experience with the mobile app.
You will be compensated for completing this study. Specific information about the monetary incentive you will receive can be found in the consent form you can review before agreeing to be a part of this study.
Study Team
For questions about this study, contact:
- Angeles Sedano
- asedano@usc.edu
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