Physiology of Liberation

Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorBoston University Charles River Campus

About this trial

This academic study examines how everyday experiences are related to short-term physiological reactivity and recovery and whether one or more brief standardized mindfulness/attention-instruction sessions change these patterns. Adults living in the United States who can read and understand the English study materials participate for up to 4 weeks and complete 5 to 7 brief smartphone surveys per day on 14 total ecological momentary assessment (EMA) days during waking hours. The 14 EMA days may be consecutive or divided into two 7-day measurement bursts. Surveys include current experiences and recent alcohol and nicotine use; these reports are analyzed as contextual variables and are not automatic exclusion criteria. Some participants also use assigned non-invasive wearable sensors or blood-pressure monitors during prespecified measurement windows. Device output is used only for research measurement, not diagnosis, treatment, real-time medical decision-making, or patient management. In study waves with a randomized comparison, participants are randomized after consent to one or more brief mindfulness/attention-instruction sessions or time-matched no-instruction comparison sessions. Session duration, schedule, and allocation probabilities are specified before each study wave begins and applied consistently within that wave.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Adults aged 18 years or older

Lives in the United States

Able to read and understand English well enough to provide informed consent and to complete study surveys and instructions

Has a compatible smartphone and the required study application

Disqualifiers

Cannabis or other illicit drug use within the past 30 days

Any current pattern of substance use that would prevent informed consent or the safe and reliable completion of study procedures

Inability or unwillingness to complete core study procedures

Lack of a compatible smartphone or the required study application

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Brief Standardized Mindfulness/Attention Instruction

Treatment groups

20 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups