Acceptance and Commitment Therapy group for family caregivers of stroke survivors
Official title: Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Group for Family Caregivers of Stroke Survivors
Run by The Wright Institute · NCT07528261 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will try a 5-week group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) program to see if it reduces stress and improves quality of life for family caregivers of stroke survivors.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Wright Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Alameda, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07528261 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are primary family caregivers aged 40 or older who have cared for a stroke survivor living with them for at least six months, report high distress on the CSAQ, and can use a computer with internet access.
✕Probably not a fit
People under 40, those without primary caregiving responsibility, those with comorbid mental disorders or disabilities that prevent group participation, those who do not have high distress, or those unable to attend sessions or use a computer are unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This quasi-experimental study compares caregivers who attend a five-week, 1.5-hour weekly group ACT intervention with a waiting-list control group. Caregivers complete measures at pre-treatment, immediate post-treatment, and two-month follow-up while the study tests whether psychological flexibility and experiential avoidance mediate outcomes. Participants are primary family caregivers aged 40 or older who have cared for a discharged stroke survivor for at least six months and screen as highly distressed on the CSAQ. The intervention is delivered at The Wright Institute in Alameda and requires basic computer and internet access for study procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lower caregiver psychological distress and improve quality of life and coping skills.
How similar studies have gone: ACT-based interventions have reduced distress in other caregiving and clinical populations, but application specifically to family caregivers of stroke survivors in the United States is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 40 or above. * Taking the primary responsibility for the care of a family member suffering from stroke (i.e. spending at least 70% of the time on performing caregiving tasks). * The stroke patient has been discharged from hospital and is currently living with the caregiver. * Having cared for the stroke patient for at least six months, including at least two months after discharge. * CSAQ score (as determied during pre-group screening meeting) indicates a high level of distress, as evidenced by one of the following: a) participant answered "Yes" to either or both questions 4 and 11; b) total "Yes" scores = 10 or more; c) score on question 17 is 6 or higher; d) score on question 18 is 6 or higher. * Able to use a computer and has internet access. * Able to provide informed consent to participate. Exclusion Criteria: * is below 40 years old. * has any comorbid mental disorder or disability that may impede group participation (e.g., personality disorder, learning disability). * does not understand English (read, write, listen, and speak). * has current active suicidal/homicidal ideation. * is currently receiving psychological intervention (individual or group).
Where it's running
-
The Wright Institute
Alameda, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chi Wai Yiu, PsyD Candidate
- Email: jyiu@wi.edu
- Phone: 510-974-3626
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Using CSNAT with home-based care to help caregivers of older adults
This study tests whether the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) given to family caregivers of older adults receiving home-based care helps reduce caregiver stress and supports their health and well-being.
-
Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Caregivers of Cancer Patients
This study is testing if a special type of therapy called Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy can help caregivers of cancer patients feel less stressed and find more meaning in their lives compared to regular support therapy.
-
Friends and family training for those at risk of suicide
A six-week program tests whether training for caregivers can help them support a loved one at risk of suicide while also taking care of their own mental health.
-
Lived Experience Narratives in Dementia
This project tests a digital Online LEND Intervention that shares dementia patients’ and caregivers’ lived experiences to see if it helps wellbeing and connection.
-
Caregiver support program for people caring for older patients in Singapore
This project tests whether a bundled set of caregiver support services at Tan Tock Seng Hospital helps caregivers of older patients reduce stress and improve resilience.
-
Understanding cancer-related stress in patients and their caregivers
This study looks at how cancer affects both patients and their caregivers, especially in terms of stress and emotional challenges, to better understand their experiences and needs for support.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.