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Obesity, MorbidNCT05958615

Positive Psychology Intervention for Patients Post-bariatric Surgery and Their Partners

A study testing Reimagining Us in the Context of Bariatric Surgery (ReConnect) in people with Obesity, Morbid, run by Larissa McGarrity, Ph.D. at 1 site in United States.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this waitlist-control design, pilot randomized controlled trial is to test feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a remotely-delivered dyadic positive psychology intervention for patients 2 years after bariatric surgery and their romantic partners (called ReConnect). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Obesity, Morbid
What is being tested?
Reimagining Us in the Context of Bariatric Surgery (ReConnect)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
82 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
12 Feb 2024to 30 Nov 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adult couples (18 years and older) consisting of one partner who had bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) at participating institution
  • Between 1 to 3 years post bariatric surgery performed at participating institution and
  • A cohabiting romantic partner who have been in the same relationship from before bariatric surgery to time of recruitment
  • Both partners are willing and able to enroll in study

Who cannot join

  • Couples in which both members have undergone bariatric surgery
  • Current participation in another intervention study
  • Lack of access to internet for remotely delivered intervention
  • Absence of depressive symptoms, relationship challenges, or difficulty coping with lifestyle changes at screening

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • University of Utah

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Evaluation of Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Dyadic Positive Psychology Intervention for Patients Post-bariatric Surgery and Their Partners: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this waitlist-control design, pilot randomized controlled trial is to test feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a remotely-delivered dyadic positive psychology intervention for patients 2 years after bariatric surgery and their romantic partners (called ReConnect).

The main question it aims to answer is whether the intervention results in improvements in depressive symptoms for patients and partners. The additional questions it aims to answer are whether the intervention results in improvements in resilience, relationship satisfaction, eating and physical activity behaviors, and weight maintenance for those in the intervention versus waitlist control condition.

Participant couples randomly assigned to the intervention condition will engage in ReConnect for 8 weekly modules and associated positive psychology activities, some individually and some as a couple. Participant couples randomly assigned to the waitlist control condition will wait for 8 weeks to begin the 8 week intervention. All participants will fill out assessment measures at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks.

Read the detailed description

Bariatric surgery is the most effective intervention for severe obesity and associated co-morbidities. However, around 2 years after surgery, a substantial proportion of patients struggle with weight regain, psychological complications (e.g., disordered eating, depression), and relationship challenges. To achieve optimal long-term outcomes, a biopsychosocial focus and treatment approach is critical. Existing interventions primarily target weight, occur at the individual patient level, use a risk-based or problem-focused lens, and are inaccessible to the average patient. In contrast, this proposed research will test feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an intervention to improve psychosocial health, occurring at the dyadic (patient and partner) level, using a strengths-based or positive psychology lens, and remotely-delivered for accessibility. This multi-faceted approach is needed to address the high rate of psychiatric disorders and lack of social support among bariatric surgery patients that compromises long-term surgical outcomes. Patients in relationships report inconsistency in support provision from partners, lose less weight than those not in relationships, and are at elevated risk of divorce post-surgery. The investigator(s) research has demonstrated declines in relationship satisfaction from before to after surgery, and associations with elevated levels of binge eating, anxiety, and social stress 2 years after surgery. The investigator(s) has also documented the importance of adaptive coping, social support, and resilience for improved mental health and eating behaviors in this stigmatized population. In combination, existing research supports the need for dyadic-level and strengths-focused intervention to prevent exacerbation of psychological distress and difficulties in long-term weight management.

The investigator and research team have utilized pilot grant funding to adapt an evidence-based dyadic positive psychology intervention (dPPI) for post-bariatric surgery patients and their partners. This intervention was developed in a two-phase, mixed-methods study. The investigator first obtained feedback from 6 patients and partners in focus groups about relationship health following bariatric surgery and intervention needs. The investigators then asked these couples to pilot test 4 adapted intervention modules and obtained quantitative and qualitative feedback, which suggested high satisfaction with and benefit from the intervention modules. This study resulted in a finalized 8-module, remotely-delivered dPPI with content consisting of activities (expressing gratitude, practicing acts of kindness, fostering relationships, focusing on the positive, savoring, working toward goals, meaning finding/values, planning for the future) completed individually and as a couple. The dPPI is now ready for formal testing of feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy in a pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT).

Conditions
Obesity, Morbid
Being tested
Reimagining Us in the Context of Bariatric Surgery (ReConnect)
Medical subject headings
Obesity, Morbid

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Reimagining Us in the Context of Bariatric Surgery (ReConnect)Behavioural

    ReConnect is an intervention for bariatric surgery patients approximately 2 years after surgery and their romantic partners to participate in together with the goal of improving mental health and enhancing resilience. The intervention is entirely remotely-delivered via handouts sent by PDF and mail to participants instructing them through the 8 weekly modules, as well as associated videos. Each module features psychoeducational materials, instructions and guidance on positive psychology activities, choices of activities to complete both individually and as a couple, and additional resources relevant to that week's theme. The themes are: channeling strengths and focusing on the positive, clarifying values and finding meaning, goal setting, intimacy and fostering the relationship, open communication and gratitude, self-care and savoring the moment, fostering relationships and acts of kindness, and maintaining progress long-term.

Study groups in NCT05958615
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Intervention ConditionExperimentalParticipants will receive 8 weeks of ReConnect followed by 8 weeks check-in surveys/follow-ups, as well as 3 assessments (baseline, 8 weeks, 16 weeks) in this waitlist-control design.
Receives: Behavioral: Reimagining Us in the Context of Bariatric Surgery (ReConnect)
Waitlist Control ConditionOtherParticipants will receive 8 weeks of check-in surveys/follow-ups followed by 8 weeks of ReConnect, as well as 3 assessments (baseline, 8 weeks, 16 weeks) in this waitlist-control design.
Receives: Behavioral: Reimagining Us in the Context of Bariatric Surgery (ReConnect)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Depressive Symptoms

    Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Measured Scale 0 - 27 (0 = minimum - 27 = maximum), the higher the score the worse depressive symptoms.

    Measured: Baseline

  2. Depressive Symptoms

    Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Measured Scale 0 - 27 (0 = minimum - 27 = maximum), the higher the score the worse depressive symptoms.

    Measured: Week # 8

  3. Depressive Symptoms

    Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Measured Scale 0 - 27 (0 = minimum - 27 maximum), the higher the score the worse depressive symptoms.

    Measured: Week #16

Secondary outcomes (18)
  1. Resilience

    Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) Measured Scale 0 -100 (0 = minimum - 100 = maximum), the higher the score the better outcome.

    Measured: Baseline

  2. Resilience

    Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) Measured Scale 0 -100 (0 = minimum - 100 = maximum), the higher the score the better outcome.

    Measured: Week # 8

  3. Resilience

    Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) Measured Scale 0 -100 (0 = minimum - 100 = maximum), the higher the score the better outcome.

    Measured: Week # 16

  4. Relationship Satisfaction

    Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) Measured Scale 0-151 ((0 = minimum - 151 = maximum), the higher the score the better outcome.

    Measured: Baseline

  5. Relationship Satisfaction

    Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) Measured Scale 0-151 (0 = minimum - 151 = maximum), the higher the score the better outcome.

    Measured: Week #8

  6. Relationship Satisfaction

    Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) Measured Scale 0-151 ((0 = minimum - 151 = maximum), the higher the score the better outcome.

    Measured: Week #16

  7. Physical Activity

    Godin Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire with higher score indicating more physically active on a continuous scale. Scores range from 0 to a theoretical maximum with higher scores indicating greater levels of physical activity.

    The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire assesses weekly frequency of strenuous, moderate, and light leisure-time physical activity sessions of at least 15 minutes duration. A total Leisure Score Index (LSI) is calculated as: (9 × strenuous) + (5 × moderate) + (3 × light) activity episodes per week. Scores range from 0 to a theoretical maximum with higher scores indicating greater levels of physical activity.

    Measured: Baseline

  8. Physical Activity

    Godin Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire with higher score indicating more physically active on a continuous scale. Scores range from 0 to a theoretical maximum with higher scores indicating greater levels of physical activity.

    The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire assesses weekly frequency of strenuous, moderate, and light leisure-time physical activity sessions of at least 15 minutes duration. A total Leisure Score Index (LSI) is calculated as: (9 × strenuous) + (5 × moderate) + (3 × light) activity episodes per week. Scores range from 0 to a theoretical maximum with higher scores indicating greater levels of physical activity.

    Measured: Week #8

  9. Physical Activity

    Godin Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire with higher score indicating more physically active on a continuous scale. Scores range from 0 to a theoretical maximum with higher scores indicating greater levels of physical activity.

    The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire assesses weekly frequency of strenuous, moderate, and light leisure-time physical activity sessions of at least 15 minutes duration. A total Leisure Score Index (LSI) is calculated as: (9 × strenuous) + (5 × moderate) + (3 × light) activity episodes per week. Scores range from 0 to a theoretical maximum with higher scores indicating greater levels of physical activity.

    Measured: Week #16

  10. Eating Behaviors

    Short Healthy Eating Index Survey Measured Scale 0 -100 (0 = minimum - 100 = maximum), the higher the score the better outcome.

    Measured: Baseline

  11. Eating Behaviors

    Short Healthy Eating Index Survey Measured Scale 0 -100 (0 = minimum - 100 = maximum), the higher the score the better outcome.

    Measured: Week # 8

  12. Eating Behaviors

    Short Healthy Eating Index Survey Measured Scale 0 -100 (0 = minimum - 100 = maximum), the higher the score the better outcome.

    Measured: Week # 16

  13. Weight Maintenance

    Body Mass Index = measure of weight relative to height, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

    Measured: Baseline

  14. Weight Maintenance

    Body Mass Index = measure of weight relative to height, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, (kg/m²).

    Measured: Week #8

  15. Weight Maintenance

    Body Mass Index = measure of weight relative to height, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

    Measured: Week #16

  16. Anxiety

    GAD-7 Measure Scaled 0-21 (0= minimum - 27 = maximum), The higher the score indicates worse anxiety.

    Measured: Baseline

  17. Anxiety

    GAD-7 Measure Scaled 0-21 (0= minimum - 27 = maximum), The higher the score indicates worse anxiety.

    Measured: 8 Weeks

  18. Anxiety

    GAD-7 Measure Scaled 0-21 (0= minimum - 27 = maximum), The higher the score indicates worse anxiety.

    Measured: Week #16

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted24 Jul 2023
  2. Study start12 Feb 2024
  3. Primary completion19 Mar 2025
  4. Study completion30 Nov 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Model description
Waitlist Control Design
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
82 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05958615
Sponsor's protocol ID
IRB_00165737
Other IDs
1K12TR004413
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
11 Jul 2023
Last updated
8 Jun 2026
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Reimagining Us in the Context of Bariatric Surgery (ReConnect) in people with Obesity, Morbid, run by Larissa McGarrity, Ph.D. at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 8 Jun 2026). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Depressive Symptoms (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Jun 2026.

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