Acceptance and Commitment Therapy group for family caregivers of stroke survivors
Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Group for Family Caregivers of Stroke Survivors
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Wright Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Alameda, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT07528261 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Alameda, California
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.