Playback theatre for teens and young adults
Official title: Playback Theatre Program on Improving Mental Health for Adolescents and Youth
Run by City University of Hong Kong · NCT07548463 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will test whether seven playback theatre sessions can reduce depressive symptoms and improve self‑esteem, hope, and social support in 13–24 year olds with mild to moderate depression.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | City University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07548463 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 13–24 year olds who are service users of The Salvation Army in Hong Kong and have mild to moderate depression (DASS‑Y Depression score 5–12) and can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
People with severe depression or severe anxiety (DASS‑Y Depression ≥13 or Anxiety ≥8), those outside the 13–24 age range, or those who cannot attend in‑person sessions are unlikely to benefit from this program and may need more intensive care.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This multicentre randomized controlled trial randomly assigns eligible 13–24 year olds to either a seven‑session playback theatre program or a waitlist control. The playback theatre is delivered in groups by trained social workers and helping professionals with music therapy experience, using live storytelling and improvised enactment to foster empathy and reflection. Outcomes including depressive symptoms, self‑stigma, self‑esteem, hope, and social support are measured with standardized tools before and after the intervention by research staff blinded to group allocation. Participants are recruited from The Salvation Army service units and sessions are held at City University of Hong Kong and partnering sites, with severe cases excluded and referred for higher‑level care as needed.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, this could provide an accessible, non‑pharmacological group therapy that helps reduce depressive symptoms and strengthens self‑esteem and social support for young people.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small studies and psychosocial programs using playback theatre have reported improvements in depression, anxiety, and self‑esteem, though large randomized trials remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. aged between 13 to 24 years; 2. having mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety as assessed using a standardized assessment tool, i.e. Chinese Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-Youth (DASS-Y) with a DASS-Y Depression score between 5 and 12; 3. service users of The Salvation Army social service unit; and 4. giving informed consent to this research work. For those aged below 18, parental consent will be obtained. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Having severe depression (i.e. a DASS-Y Depression score ≥ 13); 2. Having severe anxiety (i.e. a DASS-Y Anxiety score ≥ 8); and 3. Having suicidal risk
Where it's running
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City University of Hong Kong
Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kim-wan Daniel Young, PhD
- Email: dkwyoung@cityu.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 34428954
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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.