Nursing care based on Human Caring Theory for adolescents who self-harm
The Effect of a Nursing Care Program Based on Human Caring Theory on Self-Esteem, Coping, and Self-Compassion in Adolescents With Self-Harm
This program will test whether a Human Caring Theory–based nursing approach helps adolescents aged 14–18 who self-harm improve self-esteem, coping, and self-compassion.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Akdeniz University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Antalya) |
| Trial ID | NCT07368556 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled, single-blind experiment will compare a Human Caring Theory–based nursing care program to routine clinic treatment for adolescents aged 14–18 with DSM-5–defined self-harm. Participants at Antalya City Hospital will be randomized to receive structured nursing sessions grounded in Human Caring Theory or standard polyclinic follow-up, with outcomes measured before and after the intervention. Primary outcomes include self-esteem, self-compassion, and coping skills, and the trial is planned to run from March 2026 to March 2027. The protocol excludes adolescents with major sensory or comprehension impairments and those already receiving psychosocial support.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adolescents aged 14–18 who volunteer, meet DSM-5 criteria for self-harm, can communicate and participate in interviews, and are not receiving other psychosocial support.
Not a fit: Those with speech, hearing, comprehension, or visual impairments, adolescents already receiving psychosocial support, or those unable or unwilling to complete the intervention and interviews are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the program could strengthen self-esteem, coping strategies, and self-compassion in adolescents who self-harm, potentially reducing repeat self-injury and suicide risk.
How similar studies have performed: While psychological and nursing interventions have sometimes reduced self-harm risk factors, Human Caring Theory–based nursing programs in adolescents are relatively novel and have limited direct evidence of effectiveness.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: The study will include adolescents who: * are aged 14-18 years, * volunteer to participate in the study, and * have self-harm according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria. Exclusion Criteria: * Adolescents with speech, hearing, comprehension, or visual impairments, as well as those receiving psychosocial support during the research process, will not be included in the study. Sampling Exclusion Criteria: * Adolescents who did not participate in all interviews * Were admitted to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry clinic for treatment during the research process, * Did not wish to continue participating in the interviews will be excluded from the study.
Where this trial is running
Antalya
- Antalya City Hospital — Antalya, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hilal KARA, MSN — Akdeniz University
- Study coordinator: Hilal KARA, MSN
- Email: ucanhilal26@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 531 370 38 11
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.