In a randomized controlled trial of a meditation app with 662 participants (80.4% had elevated depression or anxiety), the relationship between how much people used the app (dosage) and changes in psychological distress was inconsistent. Across 41 different statistical models, some showed that more use—measured in minutes, days, or activities completed—was linked to greater reductions in distress, but many models found no such link, and a few even suggested the opposite pattern. This variability highlights the challenge of defining and studying dosage in meditation app interventions and points to the need for careful, transparent methods in this area.
Probation officers and other professionals working with youth in the legal system face high chronic workplace stress, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Emotion dysregulation may underlie these problems and can be improved with mindfulness meditation. This paper describes the protocol for a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation pilot randomized controlled trial of Bodhi AIM+, a meditation app adapted for these professionals. Fifty participants will be randomly assigned to use the meditation app or an active control app for 30 days. The primary outcome is app adherence measured by objective analytics. Mental health outcomes, emotion regulation via ecological momentary assessment, and qualitative interviews will be collected. Enrollment began in December 2024, with results expected in 2026.