Positive Affect Treatment for Teens Facing Early Life Challenges
Official title: Mitigating Depression Among Adversity Exposed Adolescents Using Positive Affect Therapy
Run by University of California, Irvine · NCT06273137 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment called Positive Affect Treatment to see if it can help teens aged 12-16 who have faced tough childhood experiences feel happier and less depressed.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Irvine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Irvine, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 3, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06273137 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 12-16 who have experienced two or more adverse childhood experiences but do not currently have major depressive disorder.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently taking antidepressants or those with a history of manic or psychotic symptoms may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Positive Affect Treatment (PAT) for adolescents aged 12-16 who have experienced two or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The study will initially recruit up to 30 participants who will be randomly assigned to either receive PAT or be placed on a waitlist. In a subsequent phase, the study will expand to include up to 300 adolescents to further assess the impact of PAT on enhancing positive emotions and reducing depressive symptoms. The goal is to determine if this intervention can improve mental health outcomes for youth at risk due to early life adversity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the emotional well-being and mental health of adolescents who have faced early life adversity.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research in this area, the specific approach of using Positive Affect Treatment for this demographic is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 12-16 * exposed to 2 or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) Exclusion Criteria: * currently taking an antidepressant or any medications known to influence immune functioning on a daily basis (e.g., steroidal medications to treat asthma or allergies) * current or past history of manic or psychotic symptoms * parent-reported diagnosis of intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder * chronic medical conditions (e.g., cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis), * bleeding disorders such as hemophilia
Where it's running
-
University of California Irvine
Irvine, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kate R Kuhlman — UC Irvine
- Study coordinator: Kate R Kuhlman, Ph.D.
- Email: krkuhl@uci.edu
- Phone: 9498245574
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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.