Cognitive training program to improve emotion regulation in adults
Neurobehavioral Affective Control Training (N-ACT): A Randomized Waitlist-controlled Pilot Trial to Evaluate a Novel Cognitive Remediation Program for Emotion-related Impulsivity and Rumination
NA · University of California, Berkeley · NCT06226467
This study is testing a new training program to help adults who struggle with managing their emotions feel better and improve their overall mental health.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Berkeley (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Berkeley, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06226467 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate a new cognitive training program called Neurobehavioral Affective Control Training (N-ACT) designed to enhance emotion regulation in adults experiencing high levels of rumination and emotion-related impulsivity. Participants will engage in eight weekly sessions of cognitive training exercises, with assessments conducted before and after the intervention to measure its effectiveness. The study will compare the outcomes of the N-ACT program against a waitlist control group, focusing on the acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of the training. Additionally, the trial will explore the broader impacts of the intervention on psychiatric symptoms and overall functioning.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults residing in California who report high levels of rumination and/or emotion-related impulsivity.
Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological disorders, substance use disorders, or those who do not meet the language literacy requirements may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve emotional regulation and reduce impulsivity and rumination in affected individuals.
How similar studies have performed: While cognitive training for emotion regulation is an emerging field, this specific approach has not been extensively tested, making it a novel intervention.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Current residency in the state of California * Elevated levels of rumination and/or emotion-related impulsivity Exclusion Criteria: * Insufficient English language literacy to understand study procedures (as assessed by self-report) * Careless or inattentive responding as indicated by (a) failing 50% or more of "attention check" items embedded in the online screening questionnaires, (b) overly rapid responding (i.e., mean response time of less than two seconds for multiple choice items), or (c) qualitative review of long strings of identical entries on screening/baseline questionnaire items that suggest data invalidity * Positive history of brain tumors, neurological disorders, or head injuries (with loss of consciousness more than five minutes and/or more than two separate instances of clinically-significant head trauma) * Recent (i.e., past three months) alcohol/other substance use disorders or current psychosis (as assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview; MINI) * Active suicidal ideation paired with either (1) plan and/or intent or (2) lifetime history of suicide attempts (as assessed by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale; C-SSRS)
Where this trial is running
Berkeley, California
- University of California — Berkeley, California, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sheri L. Johnson, Ph.D. — University of California, Berkeley
- Study coordinator: J.D. Allen, Ph.D.
- Email: calmprogram@berkeley.edu
- Phone: (510) 519-4305
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.
Conditions: Emotional Distress, Impulsive Behavior, Mood Lability, Mood Instability, Rumination, Psychopathology, Affective Symptoms, Cognitive Control