Group therapy for adolescents to improve mental health
Thriving Through the Storms: A School-based Mental Health Promotion Program for Building Psychological Flexibility and Resilience
This study tests whether group therapy using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help teenagers with mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and stress feel better and improve their mental health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shatin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06039228 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention focuses on using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in secondary schools to help adolescents enhance their psychological flexibility and reduce emotional distress. The program targets young individuals experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress. Participants will engage in a group setting where they will learn to align their actions with their personal values. The effectiveness of the intervention will be evaluated by comparing pre- and post-intervention data within a single-group design.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents experiencing mild to moderate psychological distress as indicated by specific scoring criteria on validated mental health questionnaires.
Not a fit: Patients exhibiting violent behavior, active self-injurious thoughts, or psychotic symptoms may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health and well-being of adolescents facing psychological distress.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy have shown promising results in improving mental health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective in school settings as well.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Eligible participants are adolescents who reported mild to moderate severity of psychological distress, including those who report: * a score of 5-19 on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), or * a score of 5-14 on the General Anxiety Disorder-7, or * a score ≥14 on the Perceived Stress Scale. Exclusion Criteria: Adolescents will be excluded if they exhibit or report: * violent or aggressive behavior, or * active self-injurious or suicidal thought, or * active psychotic symptom.
Where this trial is running
Shatin
- Department of Educational Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong — Shatin, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jennifer Tang, PhD
- Email: jymtang@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: 39433753
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.