A pilot trial on EMA habit formation behavioral strategies for improving engagement of digital mindfulness interventions among non-suicidal self-injury engagers

Project Type(s):

Principal Investigator(s):
  • Joey Cheung, MA
Co-Investigator(s):

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), the purposeful, direct damage of one’s body without the intent to die, is a pervasive public health concern with clinically significant long-term consequences. Mindfulness – a core skill in DBT, an evidence-based treatment for NSSI, is designed to target emotion dysregulation and rumination and may be particularly relevant due to the proliferation of digital mindfulness interventions in recent years. To this end, the goal of this study is to expand the use of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and to develop and evaluate a program of habit-formation strategies (e.g., SMART-goal setting, reinforcement scheduling) to boost user engagement and treatment effects of DMI. Following a 1-week EMA baseline period, participants (N=40) will be randomized to either TAU (Mindfulness only) or Experimental (Mindfulness + Behavioral Prompts) conditions for a 4-week intervention EMA period.

Project Period:
September 18, 2023 — August 31, 2024

Funding Type(s):
State/UW

Funder(s):
Clinician Scientist Training Program

Research Program(s):

Geographic Area(s):
National

Practice Type(s):
Online/remote/apps/social media

Patient Population(s):
Adults

Targeted Condition(s):
General Mental Well-Being, Suicidal Ideation