A Brief Motivational Interviewing Intervention to Promote Healthy Technology Use and Prevent Mental Health and Behavior Problems 

Summary: This 1-year pilot study is being conducted with PI Dr. Jen Doty in the UO College of Education and involves adapting an evidence-based motivational interviewing intervention for adolescents to be responsive to youth engaged in risky online behavior. Modeled after the evidence-based Family Check-Up Program, the TECH Check-Up program includes 2 phases: (1) a motivational interview with an early adolescent and an adolescent and caregiver self-assessment and feedback, and (2) four online sessions on healthy technology use. The pilot study began in 2024 in middle schools located in Portland and Eugene. We have also submitted a larger grant to the National Institute of Mental Health to fund a 3-year evaluation of this program in Portland and Eugene public schools. 

Funding: Seed Grant: Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, University of Oregon (PI: Doty)

Stage: Ongoing

Collaborators