Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help Black adolescents cope with race-related stress
Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to Promote Mental Health and Transition Readiness in Youth With Sickle Cell Disease: A Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) Approach
This study is testing whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help Black teenagers cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression related to race-related challenges.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05685368 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the feasibility and acceptability of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Black adolescents facing race-related stress. It involves a small, non-randomized sample of 30 participants who will engage in a 10-session ACT group as part of their regular clinical care. The study aims to support these individuals in managing stress, anxiety, and depression linked to their experiences of racial stigma. Three consecutive groups will be conducted, each consisting of 8-10 participants over the course of a year.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Black or African American adolescents who are English-speaking and can engage meaningfully in the therapy process.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently experiencing psychosis, severe health concerns, or are at significant risk for suicide may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the mental health and quality of life for Black adolescents experiencing race-related stress.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in addressing stigma, suggesting potential success for this approach in a similar context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Youth Participant Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria The inclusion criteria for study participation are Be an adolescent and/or young adult (age 14-21) who has Sickle Cell Disease Willing to enroll in the ACT group jointly provided by the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine/Department of Hematology and Oncology Participants can be active, waitlisted, or new patients at CHLA Participants must be able to understand and speak English, as the therapy will only be delivered in English Participants must have an English-speaking parent/guardian Able to provide consent/assent An adolescent or young adult that is pregnant is eligible to participate if consent can be obtained Participants must be developmentally typical Have a stable internet connection (via computer, tablet, or phone) with access to a webcam and a private space to engage in a group therapy sessions; Must consent to audio and video recording of initial interview. Must agree to attend 6 weekly ACT group session Youth participants will be asked to become a member of the CAB. To become a CAB member, the youth participant must consent/assent to participation in the ACT intervention. If a CAB member, they must be willing to engage in CAB interviews and meetings. The exclusion criteria are: Prisoners or youth in detention centers Unable to understand or speak English Does not have SCD Clients who are at significant risk for suicide and self-injury will be excluded due to the intense levels of support required to support these individuals which would interfere with study procedures. Adolescents with families that require frequent intervention from the Department of Children and Family Services, are currently experiencing psychosis, or have severe health concerns that will impact study participation or attendance will be excluded.
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Xzania Lee, PhD — Children's Hospital Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Xzania Lee, PhD
- Email: xlee@chla.usc.edu
- Phone: 323.361.4768
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.