Mental DistressNCT07231406
Narrative Therapy Among Young People With Moderate Level of Mental Distress in Hong Kong
A study testing Narrative Therapy in people with Mental Distress, run by The University of Hong Kong at 1 site in Hong Kong.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 12 to 24 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Mental Distress
- What is being tested?
- Narrative Therapy
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 770 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHong Kong
- Study dates
- 3 Dec 2025to 31 Aug 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 12 to 24 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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)
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Hong Kong1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Christy Lai Ming Hui, PhD, +852 2255 4486, christy@lmhui.com
About this study
Official title: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of Narrative Therapy Among Young People With Moderate Level of Mental Distress in Hong Kong
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.
Read more
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
- Being tested
- Narrative Therapy
- Keywords
- cluster randomized controlled trial, narrative therapy, youths, mental distress
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Narrative TherapyBehavioural
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
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| NT Intervention | Active comparator | This narrative therapy intervention will: (i) facilitate shared experiences among participants, (ii) support the reconstruction of personal identity, (iii) promote collective wisdom-sharing and skill development; and (iv) foster solidarity in imagining diverse life possibilities. This approach empowers young people to critically engage with dominant narratives and discover their own authentic paths. The NT intervention consists of six sessions, conducted in a small-group format (6 - 8 participants per group). Youths at similar life stages, such as secondary students, university students, and early-career young professionals, will be grouped together to encourage meaningful discussions and shared experiences. The program consists of six sessions, with the first five lasting 1.5 hours each, and the final session (Section 6) extending to 2 hours for a comprehensive closing. All sessions will be conducted face-to-face by frontline social or youth workers who have received prior training, Receives: Behavioral: Narrative Therapy |
| Waitlist Control | No intervention | Participants allocated to the waitlist control group will wait for 10 weeks (6 + 4 weeks) before receiving the NT intervention |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Psychological Distress
The 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (scores range from 0 to 24 where a higher score indicates a worse outcome)
Measured: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Depression and anxiety Symptoms
Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (scores range from 0 to 63 where a higher score indicates more severe symptoms)
Measured: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Perceived Control / Self-efficacy
Sense of Mastery Scale (scores range from 7 to 28 where a higher score indicates a a better outcome)
Measured: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Secondary outcomes (8)
Narrative Identity
Narrative Identity Self-Evaluation Scale (scores range from 0 to 200 where a higher score indicates a better outcome)
Measured: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Perceived Social Support
Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (scores range from 12 to 84 where a higher score indicates a better outcome)
Measured: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Loneliness
UCLA Loneliness Scale (scores range from 20 to 80 where a higher score indicates a worse outcome)
Measured: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Resilience
The 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (scores range from 0 to 40 where a higher score indicates a better outcome)
Measured: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Rumination
The 22-item Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire (scores range from 22 to 88 where a higher score greater rumination)
Measured: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Self-stigma
The 9-item Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory (scores range from 1 to 4 where a higher score indicating high internalized stigma)
Measured: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Hopefulness / Hopelessness
Beck Hopelessness Scale (scores range from 0 to 20 where a higher score indicates greater levels of hopelessness)
Measured: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Service Utilization
Client Service Receipt Inventory
Measured: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Nov 2025
- Study start3 Dec 2025
- Primary completion31 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Aug 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Mental DistressStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by The University of Hong KongThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 770 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The University of Hong Kong
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, The Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong, Caritas Medical Centre, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Christian Service, Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, St. James' Settlement, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association, Yan Oi Tong, The Salvation Army, Hong Kong and Macau Command, Hong Kong Playground Association (HKPA), Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Limited, Hong Kong Children and Youth Services, Hong Kong Federation of Youth's Group, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Dr. Christy Lai-ming Hui, The University of Hong Kong
- Investigators
- Christy Lai Ming Hui, PhD, Principal investigator, The University of Hong Kong
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07231406
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 20250818-006-000
- Status last verified
- Aug 2025
- First submitted
- 27 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 30 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of Narrative Therapy Among Young People With Moderate Level of Mental Distress in Hong Kong
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07231406
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 20250818-006-000
- Conditions
- Mental Distress
- Keywords
- cluster randomized controlled trial, narrative therapy, youths, mental distress
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 770 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- The University of Hong KongUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, The Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong, Caritas Medical Centre, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Christian Service, Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, St. James' Settlement, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association, Yan Oi Tong, The Salvation Army, Hong Kong and Macau Command, Hong Kong Playground Association (HKPA), Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Limited, Hong Kong Children and Youth Services, Hong Kong Federation of Youth's Group, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong
- Study start
- 3 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Aug 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| NT Intervention | Active comparator | Behavioral: Narrative TherapyThis narrative therapy intervention will: (i) facilitate shared experiences among participants, (ii) support the reconstruction of personal identity, (iii) promote collective wisdom-sharing and skill development; and (iv) foster solidarity in imagining diverse life possibilities. This approach empowers young people to critically engage with dominant narratives and discover their own authentic paths. The NT intervention consists of six sessions, conducted in a small-group format (6 - 8 participants per group). Youths at similar life stages, such as secondary students, university students, and early-career young professionals, will be grouped together to encourage meaningful discussions and shared experiences. The program consists of six sessions, with the first five lasting 1.5 hours each, and the final session (Section 6) extending to 2 hours for a comprehensive closing. All sessions will be conducted face-to-face by frontline social or youth workers who have received prior training, |
| Waitlist Control | No intervention | –Participants allocated to the waitlist control group will wait for 10 weeks (6 + 4 weeks) before receiving the NT intervention |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 12 to 24 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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)
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Narrative TherapyIn 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 | Behavioural | NT Intervention |
Primary outcome
Psychological Distress
Time frame: 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
Time frame: 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
Time frame: 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)
8 secondary outcomes
Narrative Identity
Time frame: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Perceived Social Support
Time frame: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Loneliness
Time frame: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Resilience
Time frame: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Rumination
Time frame: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Self-stigma
Time frame: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Hopefulness / Hopelessness
Time frame: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Service Utilization
Time frame: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Christy Lai Ming Hui, PhD principal investigator
The University of Hong Kong
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Narrative Therapy in people with Mental Distress, run by The University of Hong Kong at 1 site in Hong Kong.
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 6 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Mar 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 Hong Kong. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Christy Lai Ming Hui, PhD (+852 2255 4486, christy@lmhui.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Psychological Distress (time frame: Baseline, 6-week, and 10-week). 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 30 Mar 2026.