NCT07231406

Narrative Therapy Among Young People With Moderate Level of Mental Distress in Hong Kong

A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of Narrative Therapy Among Young People With Moderate Level of Mental Distress in Hong Kong

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 770 (estimated)
• Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 12 Years – 24 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

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.

Conditions

• Mental Distress

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Narrative Therapy	In Hong Kong, deeply ingrained norms and expectations shape each stage of life. As young people navigate their growth, they are constantly influenced by mainstream narratives stemming from sociocultural traditions, family, educators, peers, or social media. These narratives often define socially approved notions of "good" versus "bad," "meaningful" versus "meaningless," and "successful" versus "failing." Many youths may not fully realize how these dominant discourses subtly influence their life choices, often leading them to unconsciously accept predetermined paths they believe they "should" follow. Whether they conform successfully or struggle with these expectations, young people frequently experience pressure and negative emotions. Even more concerning, some internalize these societal judgments, resulting in negative self-perceptions. Through this group program utilizing narrative intervention methods, we aim to provide a safe, supportive space for youth to re-examine and explore th

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-12-03
• Primary completion: 2027-01-31
• Completion: 2027-08-31
• First posted: 2025-11-17
• Last updated: 2026-03-30

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Hong Kong