Healthy Participants StudyNCT07406880
Positive Psychology - Based EMl for Enhancing Well-Being
A study testing Ecological Momentary Intervention in people with Healthy Participants Study, run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University at 1 site in Hong Kong.
Trial summary
This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of a positive psychology-based ecological momentary intervention (EMI) for enhancing well-being in college students. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Participants Study
- What is being tested?
- Ecological Momentary Intervention
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 354 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHong Kong
- Study dates
- 1 Feb 2026to 30 Dec 2026
- 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 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants in our study are healthy college students.
- Have smartphone, and have access to the internet.
Who cannot join
- Unable to use a smartphone.
- Have significant cognitive impairment that prevents participation in the research
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Positive Psychology-Based Ecological Momentary Intervention for Well-Being in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of a positive psychology-based ecological momentary intervention (EMI) for enhancing well-being in college students. A three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) will assess the impact of a dynamic EMI that delivers personalized exercises when participants' real-time affect or well-being scores fall below a predefined threshold, compared to control conditions. Primary outcomes include changes in well-being and mental health, evaluated through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative measures and qualitative interviews.
Read the detailed description
This study aims to evaluate a Positive Psychology-based Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI) designed to enhance well-being among college students. A three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to examine the intervention's effectiveness. The EMI integrates core positive psychology practices-such as gratitude, mindfulness, and acts of kindness-and is delivered through a mobile application in real time. The intervention features a dynamic, adaptive algorithm that provides personalized exercises when participants' real-time affect or well-being scores fall below a predefined threshold. Primary outcomes include changes in well-being and mental health . A mixed-methods design will be employed, combining quantitative assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up with qualitative post-intervention interviews to gain an in-depth understanding of the intervention's impact and user experience.
- Conditions
- Healthy Participants Study
- Being tested
- Ecological Momentary Intervention, Active Control
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Ecological Momentary InterventionBehavioural
This is a smartphone-based ecological momentary intervention (EMI) that delivers psychological exercises (e.g., gratitude, mindfulness) in an adaptive, "as-needed" manner. Twice daily, the app algorithm assesses a participant's self-reported momentary affect and well-being. If the scores fall below a preset, moderate threshold, a corresponding intervention exercise is automatically triggered. The goal is to provide personalized support at moments of greatest need.
Active ControlBehavioural
This is a smartphone-based ecological momentary intervention (EMI) that delivers the same suite of psychological exercises on a fixed schedule, regardless of the user's current state. Participants are prompted to complete all six available exercises twice daily. This intervention controls for the general effects of exposure to the exercise content and engagement with the app, allowing for a comparison with the adaptive, algorithm-guided EMI.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| EMI Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will use the app which delivers EMI exercises adaptively. Twice daily, the app assesses their momentary affect and well-being. If scores fall below a preset threshold, a corresponding intervention exercise (e.g., gratitude, mindfulness) is automatically triggered. They also complete a daily evening assessment. The intervention lasts 14 days. Receives: Behavioral: Ecological Momentary Intervention |
| Active Control Group | Active comparator | Participants in this group will use the app to complete a fixed set of six EMI exercises twice daily, regardless of their current emotional state. This controls for the general effect of receiving the intervention content and frequency. They also complete the same daily evening assessment as the other groups. The phase lasts 14 days. Receives: Behavioral: Active Control |
| No-Intervention Control Group | No intervention | Participants in this group will use the app only for assessment purposes. They complete the same twice-daily momentary assessments and the daily evening assessment as the other groups, but do not receive any intervention exercises. This controls for the effects of repeated self-monitoring. The phase lasts 14 days. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Affect
The 20-item Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (PANAS-SF) will be used to measure affective states. This scale comprises two subscales: Positive Affect (10 items) and Negative Affect (10 items). Each item is rated on a 5-point scale from 1 (very slightly or not at all) to 5 (extremely). Higher scores on each subscale indicate higher levels of the respective affect.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention); Immediately after the intervention (2 week after baseline)); 1-month follow-up (1 month after intervention)
Happiness
The 4-item Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) will be utilized to assess participants' subjective happiness. Each item will be rated on a 7-point Likert scale. Elevated scores on the scale indicate a greater level of subjective happiness.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention); Immediately after the intervention (2 weeks after baseline); 1-month follow-up (1 month after intervention)
Flourishing
The 8-item Flourishing Scale (FS) will be used to measure psychological well-being and self-perceived success in important areas such as relationships, self-esteem, and purpose. Each item is rated on a 7-point scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree), with higher scores indicating a greater level of psychological well-being.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention); Immediately after the intervention (2 weeks after baseline); 1-month follow-up (1 month after intervention)
Satisfaction with Life
Satisfaction with life is measured by the 5-item Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). All items are rated on a 7-point scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree), with higher scores indicating higher satisfaction with life.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention); Immediately after the intervention (2 weeks after baseline); 1-month follow-up (1 month after intervention)
Psychological distress
The 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) will be used to measure the negative emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress. Each subscale contains 7 items, rated on a 4-point severity scale from 0 (did not apply to me at all) to 3 (applied to me very much, or most of the time). Higher scores indicate more severe levels of depression, anxiety, or stress.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention); Immediately after the intervention (2 weeks after baseline); 1-month follow-up (1 month after intervention
Secondary outcomes (5)
State Subjective Happiness
State Subjective Happiness will be measured by the 2-item Subjective Happiness Scale with each item rated on a 7-point Likert scale from 1 (not a very happy person) to 7 (a very happy person).
Measured: During the 14-day intervention period, this measurement is conducted twice per day as part of the momentary assessments, and once each evening as part of the Daily Diary assessment at 9:00 PM.
State affect
State affect will be tapped by the 9-item Ecological Mood Indicator. Participants indicate their momentary feelings on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to 7 (extremely), for NA (e.g., depressed, worried/anxious, and unhappy) and PA (e.g., joyful, happy, and enjoyment/fun)
Measured: During the 14-day intervention period, this measurement is conducted twice per day as part of the momentary assessments, and once each evening as part of the Daily Diary assessment at 9:00 PM.
State Well-Being
State stress will be measured with one item adapted from the Psychological Stress Measure (PSM-9) using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (Not at all stressed) to 4 (Extremely stressed).
Measured: During the 14-day intervention period, this measure is also administered each evening at 9:00 PM as part of the Daily Diary assessment.
State Anxiety and Depression
State Anxiety and Depression will be measured with the four-item Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4). Responses are scored as 0 ("not at all"), 1 ("several days"), 2 ("more than half the days"), or 3 ("nearly every day"), with the total score on this composite measure ranging from 0 to 12.
Measured: During the 14-day intervention period, this measure is also administered each evening at 9:00 PM as part of the Daily Diary assessment.
State Stress
State stress will be measured by a single item asking participants to rate their current stress level on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (Not at all stressed) to 4 (Extremely stressed).
Measured: During the 14-day intervention period, this measure is also administered each evening at 9:00 PM as part of the Daily Diary assessment.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted12 Feb 2026
- Study start1 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Healthy Participants StudyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityThe 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
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This three-arm randomized controlled trial evaluates a 14-day Positive Psychology- based Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI). All participants complete twice-daily assessments of emotions and activities, as well as a Daily Diary at 9:00 PM each day. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1. EMI Group: Receives algorithm triggered positive psychology exercises (e.g., gratitude, mindfulness) when their real-time emotional states fall below a predefined threshold. 2. Active Control Group: Completes the same set of exercises on a fixed schedule, regardless of momentary emotional state. 3. No-Intervention Control Group: Completes all assessments but receives no intervention exercises.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 354 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07406880
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HSEARS20231201008-03
- Status last verified
- Oct 2025
- First submitted
- 6 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 12 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Positive Psychology-Based Ecological Momentary Intervention for Well-Being in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07406880
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HSEARS20231201008-03
- Conditions
- Healthy Participants Study
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 354 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 12 Feb 2026 (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 study aims to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of a positive psychology-based ecological momentary intervention (EMI) for enhancing well-being in college students. A three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) will assess the impact of a dynamic EMI that delivers personalized exercises when participants' real-time affect or well-being scores fall below a predefined threshold, compared to control conditions. Primary outcomes include changes in well-being and mental health, evaluated through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative measures and qualitative interviews.
Detailed description
This study aims to evaluate a Positive Psychology-based Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI) designed to enhance well-being among college students. A three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to examine the intervention's effectiveness. The EMI integrates core positive psychology practices-such as gratitude, mindfulness, and acts of kindness-and is delivered through a mobile application in real time. The intervention features a dynamic, adaptive algorithm that provides personalized exercises when participants' real-time affect or well-being scores fall below a predefined threshold. Primary outcomes include changes in well-being and mental health . A mixed-methods design will be employed, combining quantitative assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up with qualitative post-intervention interviews to gain an in-depth understanding of the intervention's impact and user experience.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- This three-arm randomized controlled trial evaluates a 14-day Positive Psychology- based Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI). All participants complete twice-daily assessments of emotions and activities, as well as a Daily Diary at 9:00 PM each day. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1. EMI Group: Receives algorithm triggered positive psychology exercises (e.g., gratitude, mindfulness) when their real-time emotional states fall below a predefined threshold. 2. Active Control Group: Completes the same set of exercises on a fixed schedule, regardless of momentary emotional state. 3. No-Intervention Control Group: Completes all assessments but receives no intervention exercises.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| EMI Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Ecological Momentary InterventionParticipants in this group will use the app which delivers EMI exercises adaptively. Twice daily, the app assesses their momentary affect and well-being. If scores fall below a preset threshold, a corresponding intervention exercise (e.g., gratitude, mindfulness) is automatically triggered. They also complete a daily evening assessment. The intervention lasts 14 days. |
| Active Control Group | Active comparator | Behavioral: Active ControlParticipants in this group will use the app to complete a fixed set of six EMI exercises twice daily, regardless of their current emotional state. This controls for the general effect of receiving the intervention content and frequency. They also complete the same daily evening assessment as the other groups. The phase lasts 14 days. |
| No-Intervention Control Group | No intervention | –Participants in this group will use the app only for assessment purposes. They complete the same twice-daily momentary assessments and the daily evening assessment as the other groups, but do not receive any intervention exercises. This controls for the effects of repeated self-monitoring. The phase lasts 14 days. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Participants in our study are healthy college students.
- Have smartphone, and have access to the internet.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Unable to use a smartphone.
- Have significant cognitive impairment that prevents participation in the research
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ecological Momentary InterventionThis is a smartphone-based ecological momentary intervention (EMI) that delivers psychological exercises (e.g., gratitude, mindfulness) in an adaptive, "as-needed" manner. Twice daily, the app algorithm assesses a participant's self-reported momentary affect and well-being. If the scores fall below a preset, moderate threshold, a corresponding intervention exercise is automatically triggered. The goal is to provide personalized support at moments of greatest need. | Behavioural | EMI Group |
| Active ControlThis is a smartphone-based ecological momentary intervention (EMI) that delivers the same suite of psychological exercises on a fixed schedule, regardless of the user's current state. Participants are prompted to complete all six available exercises twice daily. This intervention controls for the general effects of exposure to the exercise content and engagement with the app, allowing for a comparison with the adaptive, algorithm-guided EMI. | Behavioural | Active Control Group |
Primary outcome
Affect
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention); Immediately after the intervention (2 week after baseline)); 1-month follow-up (1 month after intervention)
The 20-item Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (PANAS-SF) will be used to measure affective states. This scale comprises two subscales: Positive Affect (10 items) and Negative Affect (10 items). Each item is rated on a 5-point scale from 1 (very slightly or not at all) to 5 (extremely). Higher scores on each subscale indicate higher levels of the respective affect.
Happiness
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention); Immediately after the intervention (2 weeks after baseline); 1-month follow-up (1 month after intervention)
The 4-item Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) will be utilized to assess participants' subjective happiness. Each item will be rated on a 7-point Likert scale. Elevated scores on the scale indicate a greater level of subjective happiness.
Flourishing
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention); Immediately after the intervention (2 weeks after baseline); 1-month follow-up (1 month after intervention)
The 8-item Flourishing Scale (FS) will be used to measure psychological well-being and self-perceived success in important areas such as relationships, self-esteem, and purpose. Each item is rated on a 7-point scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree), with higher scores indicating a greater level of psychological well-being.
Satisfaction with Life
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention); Immediately after the intervention (2 weeks after baseline); 1-month follow-up (1 month after intervention)
Satisfaction with life is measured by the 5-item Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). All items are rated on a 7-point scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree), with higher scores indicating higher satisfaction with life.
Psychological distress
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention); Immediately after the intervention (2 weeks after baseline); 1-month follow-up (1 month after intervention
The 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) will be used to measure the negative emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress. Each subscale contains 7 items, rated on a 4-point severity scale from 0 (did not apply to me at all) to 3 (applied to me very much, or most of the time). Higher scores indicate more severe levels of depression, anxiety, or stress.
5 secondary outcomes
State Subjective Happiness
Time frame: During the 14-day intervention period, this measurement is conducted twice per day as part of the momentary assessments, and once each evening as part of the Daily Diary assessment at 9:00 PM.
State affect
Time frame: During the 14-day intervention period, this measurement is conducted twice per day as part of the momentary assessments, and once each evening as part of the Daily Diary assessment at 9:00 PM.
State Well-Being
Time frame: During the 14-day intervention period, this measure is also administered each evening at 9:00 PM as part of the Daily Diary assessment.
State Anxiety and Depression
Time frame: During the 14-day intervention period, this measure is also administered each evening at 9:00 PM as part of the Daily Diary assessment.
State Stress
Time frame: During the 14-day intervention period, this measure is also administered each evening at 9:00 PM as part of the Daily Diary assessment.
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 12 Feb 2026.
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Screening Protocol
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Ecological Momentary Intervention in people with Healthy Participants Study, run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 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 2 inclusion and 2 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Feb 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 Tao ZHANG (+852 9423 3827, tao-t.zhang@connect.polyu.hk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Affect (time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention); Immediately after the intervention (2 week after baseline)); 1-month follow-up (1 month after intervention)). The study lists 5 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 12 Feb 2026.