Using a mobile app to prevent depression in Chinese American adolescents
Official title: Preventing Depression of Chinese American Adolescents Through Mobile Health Application
Run by Northeastern University · NCT05921201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a mobile app designed to help Chinese American teens feel better and reduce depression by promoting mental wellbeing.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 14 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northeastern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 25, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05921201 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are Chinese American adolescents aged 14-18 who are enrolled in school and have a sixth-grade reading level.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a diagnosis of major depression or other mental disorders requiring more extensive treatment will 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 clinical trial aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a culturally sensitive mobile health application called Relax, Reflect, Empower (RRE) in promoting psychological wellbeing and reducing depressive symptoms among Chinese American adolescents aged 14-18. The study will involve 110 participants from the Greater Boston area, who will be randomly assigned to either the RRE intervention or a control group receiving wellness check-in messages. The trial will assess both subjective and objective measures of feasibility and acceptability, as well as changes in depressive symptoms and coping self-efficacy over a three-month period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health outcomes for Chinese American adolescents by providing accessible and culturally relevant support.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with culturally tailored interventions for mental health, suggesting potential for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Participants must be CAAs (ethnic Chinese descent, born or grew up in the U.S) from the Greater Boston Area, Massachusetts, and meet the following inclusion criteria: 1. 14 -18 years old enrolled in school. 2. Understand and sign an informed consent (or assent for minors) document. 3. Sixth grade reading level (in order to understand and complete proposed tasks). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Those who do not have sixth grade reading level to understand and complete the measures 2. Those who have a diagnosis of major depression or other mental disorders (that needs more extensive treatment than the Relax, Reflect, and Empower application -RRE program can provide) 3. Those who have a score of 3 or above in Patient Health Questionnaire-2 or Generalized Anxiety Disorder- 2 (who need more extensive treatment than the RRE program can provide)
Where it's running
-
Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Chieh Li, EdD — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: CHIEH LI, EdD
- Email: c.li@northeastern.edu
- Phone: 6173734683
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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.