Narrative therapy for older adults with depression
Official title: Efficacy of Narrative Therapy for Older People With Depression
Run by City University of Hong Kong · NCT07371988 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether an eight-session narrative therapy group can reduce depressive symptoms in people aged 60 and over who use local elderly centres.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | City University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07371988 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are adults aged 60 or older who use local elderly centre services, have mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms (BDI-II 10–30), can give informed consent, and can attend in-person group sessions.
✕Probably not a fit
People with severe depression (BDI ≥31), dementia, psychosis, or active suicidal thoughts are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this group intervention, and individuals unable to attend in-person sessions may also not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This mixed-methods research uses a multicentre randomized waitlist-controlled design to compare an eight-session narrative therapy group with treatment-as-usual in older adults. Eligible participants (aged 60+ with BDI-II scores 10–30) will be recruited from local elderly centres in Hong Kong and randomised 1:1 using block randomisation. Trained social workers or counsellors will deliver the group intervention, and standardized measures of depressive symptoms will be collected before and after treatment; a qualitative component will explore participants' experiences and perceived benefits or limitations. People with severe depression (BDI ≥31), dementia, psychosis, or active suicidal thoughts are excluded from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could offer a low-cost, community-delivered option to reduce depressive symptoms and self-stigma among older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small trials and pilot studies of group narrative and other psychotherapeutic approaches have shown promise for reducing depressive symptoms and self-stigma, but randomized controlled evidence specifically in older adults is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. aged 60 years or above; 2. exhibiting depressive symptoms as assessed using a standardised assessment tool, namely the Chinese Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI; Byrne et al., 2004), with a BDI score between 10 and 30; 3. being a service user of an elderly centre; and 4. providing informed consent to participate in this research. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Individuals with severe depression (i.e. a BDI score ≥ 31), dementia, psychosis, or self-reported suicidal thoughts are excluded from this study; and 2. Individuals currently receiving a therapeutic intervention are not excluded from this study.
Where it's running
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City University of Hong Kong
Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kim-wan Daniel Young, PhD — City University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Kim-wan Daniel Young, PhD
- Email: dkwyoung@cityu.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 3442 8954
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.