Narrative therapy for young people with moderate mental distress in Hong Kong
Official title: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of Narrative Therapy Among Young People With Moderate Level of Mental Distress in Hong Kong
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT07231406 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether six face-to-face narrative therapy sessions delivered in community hubs can reduce mental distress and strengthen sense of control for youths aged 12–24 in Hong Kong with moderate symptoms (K6 11–14).
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 770 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 3, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07231406 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Hong Kong youths aged 12–24 who use JC LevelMind @ Community hubs, score 11–14 on the K6 (moderate distress), are proficient in Chinese, and can provide informed consent (parental consent for ages 12–17).
✕Probably not a fit
Those with established psychiatric diagnoses, intellectual disability, organic brain disorders, current substance abuse, active suicidal ideation or attempts, or who are already receiving structured psychological therapies are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a cluster randomized controlled trial using seven community-hub clusters in Hong Kong, randomly assigned to immediate narrative therapy or a wait-list control. Clusters in the intervention arm receive six face-to-face sessions led by trained youth workers, while control clusters receive the same intervention after the initial follow-up. Participants are assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at one-month follow-up, with an interim analysis planned during the ongoing trial. The focus is on reducing general mental distress, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and on improving perceived control and sense of self among at-risk youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a brief, community-delivered therapy option that reduces distress and improves young people's sense of control and identity.
How similar studies have gone: Narrative therapy has shown promising outcomes in smaller and non-cluster trials for youth mental health, but cluster randomized evidence in community hub settings is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * JC LevelMind @ Community users at risk for mental distress (Tier 2), with K6 scores ranging from 11 to 14 * Aged between 12 and 24 years * Sufficiently proficient in Chinese to comprehend verbal instructions * Able to provide written informed consent (parental consent for participant aged 12-17) Exclusion Criteria: * Known diagnosis of intellectual disability * Organic brain disorder * Established psychiatric diagnosis * Current substance abuse * Receiving other structured psychological therapies such as module-based psychological therapy, mentalization-based therapy, low-intensity online interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, mindfulness, or art-informed therapy within the hub setting or any others outside the hub setting * Presence of current or active suicidal ideation or attempts
Where it's running
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University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christy Lai Ming Hui, PhD — The University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Christy Lai Ming Hui, PhD
- Email: christy@lmhui.com
- Phone: +852 2255 4486
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.