Online skills training to improve emotion regulation and relationships for adults with childhood adversity and mild depression
Official title: Internet-Delivered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (i-STAIR) for Individuals With Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subsyndromal Depression: A Pilot Study
Run by Institute of Mental Health, Singapore · NCT07118072 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether an 8-week online i-STAIR program helps adults with a history of childhood adversity and subthreshold depression manage emotions and relationships to prevent worsening depression.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Institute of Mental Health, Singapore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 31, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07118072 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 21–65 in Singapore who speak English, have a history of adverse childhood experiences, and screen positive for subsyndromal depression while not having a current diagnosed mental disorder or receiving DBT are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with a current diagnosable mental disorder, cognitive impairment, those currently in DBT, or pregnant women are excluded and are unlikely to benefit from this specific online prevention program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The pilot compares an 8-week internet-delivered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (i-STAIR) program to online general psychoeducation in adults with adverse childhood experiences and subsyndromal depression. Participants will be assigned to one of the two online interventions and complete measures at baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), and at a 3-month follow-up. Primary outcomes include emotion dysregulation, interpersonal skills, depressive symptoms, and PTSD symptoms. The intervention is delivered fully online to English-speaking Singapore citizens or permanent residents aged 21–65, with exclusion of those with current diagnosed mental disorders, cognitive impairment, current DBT, or pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce depressive and PTSD symptoms and improve emotion regulation and interpersonal functioning, potentially preventing progression to full depressive disorder.
How similar studies have gone: STAIR-based interventions have shown benefit for emotion regulation and trauma-related symptoms in prior research, but internet-delivered i-STAIR for preventing depression in ACE-exposed adults with subthreshold depression is relatively novel with limited prior data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Exposed to mild, moderate or severe adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) * Screened positive for subsyndromal depression * Singapore citizens or permanent residents (PRs) * Aged 21 years to 65 years * Able to speak and understand English * Willing and able to undergo intervention and assessment online Exclusion Criteria: * Currently diagnosed with any mental disorder diagnoses; * Experience cognitive impairment as determined by attending physician * Have received or currently receiving dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) due to similarities with i-STAIR * Female participants who are pregnant
Where it's running
-
Institute of Mental Health
Singapore, Singapore Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Siow Ann Chong, MD — Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
- Study coordinator: Siow Ann Chong, MD
- Email: imhresearch@imh.com.sg
- Phone: +65 63892000
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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.