Can a yoga-based program reduce depressive symptoms for teens as effectively as group therapy (CBT)?

About this study

Enrolling participants soon!

Yoga-Based Interventions (YBIs) s have shown promise for adult depression. Originating in India, yoga is intended to promote mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Meta-analyses have documented the positive impact of yoga and other mindful movement interventions on major depression and depressive symptoms. However, other than our pilot work, there are no other RCTs of YBIs for adolescents with clinically significant depression (i.e., a mood disorder diagnosis or significantly elevated depression symptoms). So we are in the process of conducting one.

TeenThrive is a research study testing two promising group-based programs for adolescents experiencing elevated depressive symptoms: group cognitive behavioral therapy (gCBT) and yoga. Both approaches have been shown to improve mood and coping in adults, but there is limited rigorous research examining their effectiveness in adolescents. TeenThrive is designed to help fill this gap by comparing these two interventions in a randomized controlled trial.

Teens who enroll in TeenThrive are randomly assigned to either gCBT or yoga and participate for 12 weeks. Each week includes one brief virtual group session on Wednesday evenings and one longer in-person group session on Saturday mornings. Participants also complete periodic surveys and interviews about mood, stress, and well-being over the course of the study and during follow-up. By taking part, participants contribute to research that may improve future treatment options for adolescents with depression.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Teens living in Massachusetts or Ohio who are 12 to 18 years old and currently feeling stressed or down may be able to join the study. Parental permission is required for those 17 years old or younger. Complete this short survey to see if this study is a good fit for you: (link coming soon!)

  • No, our classes are free for study participants. In fact, participating teens will be compensated $170 for their participation. Parents/guardians who complete the surveys will be compensated $130.

  • The study will involve two meetings per week for 12 weeks. Follow-up surveys will be conducted over the following 6 months. Participating in the study lasts 9 months in total.

  • The in-person classes on Saturdays will be 55 minutes long. The virtual classes on Wednesdays will be 30 minutes. Participants are expected to attend both classes each week.

  • The in-person classes on Saturdays will be at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Klarman Building). The virtual classes on Wednesdays will be through a secure web-based videoconference platform. Participants are expected to attend both classes each week.

  • No, our classes are designed for teens. Parents/guardians are welcome to practice skills or review materials with you outside of class, if they would like.

  • See “Who is eligible for the study?” above. If you meet the criteria, please complete this short survey to see if this study is a good fit for you: (link coming soon!)

Meet the team

  • Shirley Yen

    Shirley Yen, Ph.D. (she/her) is a clinical psychologist and the Principal Investigator of TeenThrive. She loves all things movement - dancing, rock climbing, yoga. If you have any questions or serious concerns about the study protocol, a team member will put you in touch with her. 

  • Rae Chavies

    Rae Chavies, M.S. (They/She) is a 3rd-year counseling psychology doctoral candidate and a clinician group leader at TeenThrive. They love to travel and have been to over 11 countries and counting. If you are participating in the group therapy sessions, you may see Rae then! 

  • Melissa Morgan

    Melissa Morgan (she/her) is a clinical psychology doctoral student at William James College and one of the clinician group leaders on the TeenThrive team. In her free time, Melissa loves reading fantasy, petting cats, and listening to music. You will likely meet Melissa before joining the group to get oriented, and at some of the Saturday and weekday group sessions! 

  • Vito Politano

    Vito Politano (he/him) is a Yoga Teacher for Teen Thrive. He loves how Yoga practice can help to strengthen our sense of self and connection with others. He is looking forward to teaching the Yoga classes, and happy to answer any questions. 

  • Rachel Munyard

    Rachel is passionate about all things nervous system and the body!  Originally from Melbourne, Australia, she loves traveling and has lived in both in Europe and South America before grounding her roots in Boston. If she's not on her mat coregulating with her two sweet little Italian greyhounds, you'll find her in the woods or hugging trees. Rachel’s passion is supporting others to build a relationship to their body through the magic of yoga and believes music is medicine. 

  • Jackson Doerr

    Jackson Doerr (he/him) is a grad student at Simmons University and a Research Coordinator on the TeenThrive team. In his free time Jackson enjoys rock climbing, reading, playing soccer, and softball. You will likely meet Jackson when you enroll in the study and at some of the Saturday morning sessions. 

  • Vignesh (Vig) Kumar

    Vignesh (“Vig-nay-sh" or “Vig”) Kumar, B.A. (he/him) is a Research Coordinator on TeenThrive. He recently received his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and loves nothing more than listening to and connecting with people. He is very excited to help you enroll in and complete the study! 

  • Will Streit

    Will Streit (he/him) is an undergraduate student at Boston College and a Research Assistant on the TeenThrive team, conducting study interviews. He is friendly, loves traveling, engaging in other cultures and speaks Spanish. You will likely meet Will when you enroll in the study.