NCT07325734

The Effectiveness of Guided Written Exposure Therapy for Complex PTSD in Adolescents

The Effectiveness of Guided Written Exposure Therapy for Complex PTSD in Adolescents: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Peking University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 10 Years – 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of group Guided Written Exposure Therapy for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (GWE-C) among Chinese adolescents through a randomized controlled trial. A total of 120 participants will be recruited, with 60 randomized to the GWE-C group and 60 randomized to the supportive therapy (ST) group. The GWE-C intervention will consist of 7 to 10 group sessions. The primary outcome, assessed by the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), will be measured at baseline, post-treatment, 1-month follow-up, and 3-month follow-up.

Conditions

• CPTSD, Compelx Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Group Guided Written Exposure Therapy for CPTSD (GWE-C)	Group Guided Written Exposure Therapy for CPTSD (GWE-C) is a manualized, exposure-based therapeutic program consisting of 7 to 10 sequential sessions. The intervention follows a structured sequence of trauma processing that addresses trauma details, associated emotions, cognitions, and impacts. Writing tasks incorporate imagery dialogues, self-compassion exercises, and resource identification to help participants alleviate C-PTSD symptoms. The interval between two consecutive sessions ranges from 0 to 2 days, with participants expected to complete all sessions within 1 to 2 weeks. The first and last sessions are scheduled to last 1.5 hours each, while the intermediate sessions are 60 minutes in duration. Each group will consist of 6 to 10 participants and will be facilitated by one counselor and one assistant.
BEHAVIORAL	Supportive Group	Supportive group, the comparator intervention, is a non-trauma-focused treatment based on the Rogerian psychotherapy model and has been used as an active comparator in previous trials of trauma-focused therapies. The program comprises seven sessions: the first two employ group activities such as card games and interactive drawing to build a sense of belonging; sessions three to six focus on stress management and emotion regulation skills through methods including expressive drawing, relaxation training, and resource identification; the final session emphasizes reflection and sharing. Throughout, counsellors provide supportive guidance to encourage emotional expression, mutual listening, and peer support, while discussions deliberately exclude participants' individual traumatic experiences.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-10-10
• Primary completion: 2026-10-10
• Completion: 2026-12-10
• First posted: 2026-01-08
• Last updated: 2026-01-08

Locations

2 sites across 1 country: China