Game to boost psychological resilience after major life stress

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults who speak Cantonese or Mandarin and report a major life stress in the past five years will be randomly assigned to a game-based intervention, a psychoeducation active control, or a waitlist control. Participants will complete their assigned 10-day program within two weeks and finish psychological assessments immediately after the program and again at three months. Researchers will compare changes in positive affectivity and broader mental health outcomes across groups and test whether changes in positive affectivity help explain any mental health benefits. The design uses random assignment and both active and waitlist controls to separate specific effects of the game from general engagement or time-related improvements.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* fluency in oral and written Cantonese or Mandarin;
* having experienced at least one major life stress in the recent 5 years (assessed by the Life Stress Index);
* normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing.

Exclusion Criteria:

* formal diagnosis of any major psychiatric illnesses or history of suicidal behaviour;
* major physical illness, neurological condition or traumatic brain injury;
* Intake of medication within the previous 6 months that may affect emotion or cognitive functions;
* pregnancy (for women);
* prior experience with any commercial computer repair simulation game.

Where it's running

• The University of Hong Kong
  Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Associate Professor, Principle Investigator
• Email: rshao@hku.hk
• Phone: +852-3917-8927

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.