Positive Psychotherapy and Positive CBT for inmates’ distress and well-being
Official title: Effectiveness of Group-based Positive Psychotherapy and Positive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Improving Psychological Distress, Coping Strategies, and Well-being Among Incarcerated Individuals
Run by Bahria University · NCT07853352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests two group-based therapies—Positive Psychotherapy and Positive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—to see if they reduce distress and improve well-being and coping among incarcerated adults in Pakistan.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Bahria University Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Karachi, Sindh and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 16, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07853352 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults in prison with first-time offenses, at least 3 months of incarceration, mild to severe depression or anxiety, PERMA score below 6.4, Urdu literacy, and no active pharmacological or psychological treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with crimes of murder or rape, those with prior multiple offenses, or those already receiving ongoing mental health treatment may not 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
The trial examines whether group-based positive psychology approaches can reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life for inmates. Participants receive Positive Psychotherapy or Positive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a group format, with a waitlist control for comparison. The study targets individuals with at least three months of incarceration who show mild to severe depression or anxiety and meet language and safety criteria, conducted in multiple prisons in Karachi. Outcomes focus on psychological distress, coping strategies, and overall well-being, evaluated through validated measures. The design aims to provide evidence on feasible, culturally appropriate interventions for incarcerated populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, inmates may experience reduced distress and improved coping and well-being, which could support rehabilitation and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests group-based positive-psychology approaches can help reduce distress in diverse adult populations, but evidence in incarcerated settings remains limited and context-specific.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals with first time offense * Minimum duration of incarceration: 3 months. * Must have a score falling in the mild to severe range for depression and/or anxiety and a score below 6.4 on the PERMA profiler. * Urdu understanding and ability to comprehend measures Exclusion Criteria: * not falling in the age criteria * having a history of repeated crime * under any pharmacological and psychological treatment. * Individuals with types of crimes such as murder and rape were not included.
Where it's running
-
District Prison & Correctional Facility Malir Karachi
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan Recruiting -
Central Prison and Correctional Facility for Women Karachi
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan Completed -
Central Prison and Correctional Facility Karachi
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan Active not recruiting -
Youthful Offenders Industrial School (YOIS)
Karachi East, Sindh, Pakistan Active not recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mahum Azhaar — Institute of Professional Psychology, Bahria University Karachi
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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.