Exploring mental imagery to improve psychological well-being

Can Mental Imagery Increase Behavioral Activation ?

NA · University of Liege · NCT05771636

This study is testing if practicing mental imagery can help people with depression feel better and improve their mood and motivation.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Liege (other)
Locations1 site (Liège)
Trial IDNCT05771636 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how daily practice of mental imagery can enhance psychological factors such as motivation, mood, and well-being in individuals experiencing depression and anhedonia. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: mental imagery of planned activities, mental imagery of their best possible self, or a control group focusing solely on activity planning. The study will utilize a multiple baseline design along with pre-post and follow-up assessments over a two-week period to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. The goal is to determine if mental imagery can lead to significant improvements in depressive symptoms and overall psychological health compared to the control condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of depression, as indicated by a score of at least 8 on the depression subscale of the HADS.

Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing psychotherapy may not benefit from this study, as they are excluded from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel, non-invasive method to enhance psychological well-being and reduce symptoms of depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive effects of mental imagery on mood and behavioral activation, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least some symptoms of depression (minimal score of 8 on the depression subscale of the HADS)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not ongoing psychotherapy at the time of the study

Where this trial is running

Liège

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Depression, Anhedonia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.