Narrative Therapy Among Young People With Moderate Level of Mental Distress in Hong Kong
- Conditions
- Mental Distress
- Registration Number
- NCT07231406
- Lead Sponsor
- The University of Hong Kong
- Brief Summary
This cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a narrative therapy (NT) intervention in (i) reducing mental distress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety, as well as (ii) enhancing perceived control and fostering a stronger sense of self among at-risk youth in Hong Kong. Participants are youths with moderate mental health concerns, indicated by K6 scores ranging from 11 to 14.
The study involves seven clusters, each based on community hubs, which will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or a wait-list control group. Clusters assigned to the intervention group will receive six face-to-face sessions led by trained youth workers. Control clusters will receive the same intervention after the initial follow-up period.
Participants will be evaluated at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. An interim analysis is built for the sake of evaluation of the collected data from the ongoing trial, in which the primary research question is addressed, and which has the potential for modifying the conduct of the study. Furthermore, a qualitative follow-up will be conducted after the trial, involving both participants and the workers delivering the NT intervention. This qualitative component aims to gather feedback on participants' experiences, and inform potential revisions to enhance future implementation.
It is hypothesized that youths receiving the NT intervention will show significantly greater improvements in perceived control and sense of self, along with reductions in mental distress, as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms, compared to those in the wait-list control group.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- NOT_YET_RECRUITING
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 770
- JC LevelMind @ Community users at risk for mental distress (Tier 2), with K6 scores ranging from 11 to 14
- Aged between 12 and 24 years
- Sufficiently proficient in Chinese to comprehend verbal instructions
- Able to provide written informed consent (parental consent for participant aged 12-17)
- Known diagnosis of intellectual disability
- Organic brain disorder
- Established psychiatric diagnosis
- Current substance abuse
- Receiving other structured psychological therapies such as module-based psychological therapy, mentalization-based therapy, low-intensity online interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, mindfulness, or art-informed therapy within the hub setting or any others outside the hub setting
- Presence of current or active suicidal ideation or attempts
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Psychological Distress Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week The 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (scores range from 0 to 24 where a higher score indicates a worse outcome)
Depression and anxiety Symptoms Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (scores range from 0 to 63 where a higher score indicates more severe symptoms)
Perceived Control / Self-efficacy Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week Sense of Mastery Scale (scores range from 7 to 28 where a higher score indicates a a better outcome)
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Narrative Identity Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week Narrative Identity Self-Evaluation Scale (scores range from 0 to 200 where a higher score indicates a better outcome)
Perceived Social Support Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (scores range from 12 to 84 where a higher score indicates a better outcome)
Loneliness Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week UCLA Loneliness Scale (scores range from 20 to 80 where a higher score indicates a worse outcome)
Resilience Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week The 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (scores range from 0 to 40 where a higher score indicates a better outcome)
Rumination Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week The 22-item Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire (scores range from 22 to 88 where a higher score greater rumination)
Self-stigma Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week The 9-item Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory (scores range from 1 to 4 where a higher score indicating high internalized stigma)
Hopefulness / Hopelessness Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week Beck Hopelessness Scale (scores range from 0 to 20 where a higher score indicates greater levels of hopelessness)
Service Utilization Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week Client Service Receipt Inventory