STEPS - Stress Training and Engagement Via Phone-Based Systems

Part of paid clinical trials in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Sponsor
Equa Health
Study ID
NCT07639697
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Loneliness
  • Mindfulness Skills
  • Program Engagement
  • Psychological Distress
  • Usability Satisfaction

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - 30 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Equa — BEHAVIORAL
    Participants will be randomly assigned to a 14-unit smartphone meditation program group that involves completing a 2-10 minute daily guided practice on their phones. Participants complete 14 units of mindfulness meditation curriculum that consists of learning and practicing techniques to improve concentration, sensory clarity, and equanimity (Equa meditation app). Physiological measures will be tracked throughout the duration of lessons.
  • Feature-Enhanced Equa Training Program — BEHAVIORAL
    Participants will be randomly assigned to complete a 14-unit smartphone-delivered guided training program consisting of brief daily lessons lasting approximately 2-10 minutes. Lessons are delivered through the Equa mobile application and focus on the development and practice of mindfulness skills designed to support concentration, awareness, and emotional well-being. Physiological data will be collected during lesson participation using smartphone sensors to characterize participant responses during guided activities. This program version includes additional in-app features designed to provide personalized visual information following lesson completion.
  • Stress Management Training — BEHAVIORAL
    The CC program, called R\&R, is a well matched and previously validated digital stress management training. R\&R program lessons will focus on the development of three coping effectiveness skills: (a) thoughtful reflection; (b) reappraisal and reframing past and anticipated stressful events; and (c) problem solving, such as analyzing and solving personal problems.

Study Details

This study will evaluate engagement, usability, and psychological outcomes associated with participation in smartphone-based stress management or mindfulness training program among young adults. The study will compare multiple versions of a digital training program delivered through the Equa mobile application. Participants will be individually randomized to one of several app-based training programs using a stratified randomization procedure. Each program consists of guided daily lessons completed over a 14-day period and is designed to support stress management and well-being through structured skill development activities. Primary objectives include evaluating user satisfaction and usability of the digital platform and assessing changes in mindfulness-related skills and mental distress over time. Participants will: Complete surveys assessing demographics and psychological well-being at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. Complete a 14-day smartphone-delivered training program consisting of guided lessons while physiological data are collected using wearable sensors. Some participants may receive additional in-app features designed to support personalized learning or engagement with training lessons. Some participants will complete brief questionnaires before and after selected lessons to assess short-term changes associated with lesson participation.

Key Dates

First listed
Jun 10, 2026
Start date
Jun 17, 2026
Status verified
Jul 2026
Primary completion
Jul 31, 2027
Completion
Jul 31, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment
300 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

  • Experimental: Feature-Enhanced Equa Training
    Participants will complete a 14-day smartphone-delivered training program consisting of guided lessons through the Equa application. During lesson participation, physiological data will be collected using smartphone sensors to characterize participant responses during training activities. Participants assigned to this program version will receive additional in-app features designed to provide personalized information related to lesson engagement or training progress following lesson completion.
  • Active Comparator: Standard Equa Training Program
    Participants will complete a 14-day smartphone-delivered training program consisting of guided lessons delivered through the Equa application. During lesson participation, physiological data will be collected using smartphone sensors to characterize participant responses during training activities. This program version provides the standard lesson experience within the application without additional personalized feedback features following lesson completion.
  • Active Comparator: Stress Management Training Program
    Participants will complete a 14-day smartphone-delivered training program focused on stress management and well-being skill development delivered through the Equa application. Lessons emphasize the development of evidence-informed coping skills, including thoughtful reflection, cognitive reappraisal of stressful experiences, and structured problem-solving strategies aimed at supporting adaptive responses to everyday stressors. Guided lessons are delivered through the same application interface and include comparable levels of interactivity and engagement activities as other study programs.

Primary Outcome Measure

Equa Program Engagement [ Time Frame: Throughout the 21 day training period ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
4615 Forbes AvePittsburghPennsylvania15213
Juliette Bonchonsky, B.A.
[email protected]
4125333601
David Creswell, PhD
[email protected]
4125353338

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