Breakup DistressNCT07658248
Psychodrama Group Therapy for Breakup Distress and Relationship Adjustment: A Randomized Trial
A study testing Psychodrama Group Therapy for Unresolved Breakup Distress and Dyadic Adjustment in people with Breakup Distress and Dyadic Adjustment, run by Universidade do Porto at 1 site in Portugal.
Trial summary
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether a psychodrama group therapy intervention can reduce unresolved breakup distress and improve dyadic adjustment in adults currently involved in romantic relationships who have experienced a significant previous breakup. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Breakup Distress, Dyadic Adjustment
- What is being tested?
- Psychodrama Group Therapy for Unresolved Breakup Distress and Dyadic Adjustment
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePortugal
- Study dates
- 23 Sep 2025to May 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 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 18 years or older;
- Currently involved in a romantic relationship for at least 6 months;
- History of at least one significant previous romantic relationship breakup;
- Presence of breakup distress related to a previous romantic breakup and/or difficulties in current dyadic adjustment;
- Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Presence of severe mental disorder that may interfere with participation in group psychotherapy;
- Severe active substance dependence;
- Current severe relational violence;
- Inability or unwillingness to provide written informed consent;
- Any clinical condition that, in the opinion of the research team, may compromise safe participation in the intervention.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Portugal1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at the University of Porto
Porto, Porto District, 4200-135
Mariana V Martins, PhD, (+351)220400667, mmartins@fpce.up.pt
Filipe N Ribeiro, PhD Student, (+351) 915457227, up202408511@edu.fpce.up.pt
About this study
Official title: Psychodrama Group Therapy for Unresolved Breakup Distress and Dyadic Adjustment in Current Romantic Relationships: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether a psychodrama group therapy intervention can reduce unresolved breakup distress and improve dyadic adjustment in adults currently involved in romantic relationships who have experienced a significant previous breakup.
The main questions this study aims to answer are:
Read more
- Does participation in psychodrama group therapy reduce breakup distress compared with a waiting-list control condition?
- Does participation in psychodrama group therapy improve dyadic adjustment and relationship functioning compared with a waiting-list control condition?
The researchers will compare participants receiving the psychodrama group therapy intervention with participants in a waiting-list control condition to determine whether the intervention leads to greater improvements in breakup distress, dyadic adjustment, psychological functioning, relationship quality, and sexual satisfaction.
Participants will:
- complete assessments at baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks;
- participate in a 15-session weekly psychodrama group therapy program (intervention group only);
- complete questionnaires assessing breakup distress, dyadic adjustment, psychological outcomes, relationship quality, and sexual satisfaction.
Read the detailed description
Romantic relationship breakups are common life events that may have substantial emotional and relational consequences. While many individuals adapt successfully over time, some continue to experience unresolved breakup distress characterized by persistent emotional suffering, difficulties processing the loss, and challenges integrating the experience into their personal and relational lives. Emerging evidence suggests that unresolved distress following a previous romantic breakup may negatively affect the quality of subsequent romantic relationships, including communication, intimacy, trust, emotional regulation, and overall dyadic adjustment.
Despite increasing recognition of the psychological and relational impact of romantic breakups, there is a limited evidence base regarding interventions specifically designed to address unresolved breakup distress. Furthermore, randomized controlled trials evaluating psychodrama interventions in this context remain scarce. Psychodrama is an experiential and action-oriented psychotherapy approach developed by Jacob Levy Moreno that uses dramatization, role-playing, role reversal, and other action methods to facilitate emotional expression, interpersonal insight, and behavioral change. Through the exploration of past and present relational experiences, psychodrama may help individuals process unresolved emotions associated with previous relationships, recognize maladaptive relational patterns, and develop more adaptive ways of relating in current relationships.
The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a manualized psychodrama group therapy program for adults currently involved in romantic relationships who continue to experience unresolved distress related to a significant previous breakup. The intervention was developed based on psychodramatic theory and clinical practice and focuses on emotional processing of previous relationship losses, exploration of attachment and relational patterns, enhancement of emotional communication, strengthening of intimacy and trust, and promotion of healthier dyadic functioning in current romantic relationships.
This study employs a randomized controlled design comparing a psychodrama group therapy intervention with a waiting-list control condition. The intervention consists of 15 weekly group sessions delivered in a closed-group format by trained psychodrama practitioners. Sessions follow the traditional psychodramatic structure of warm-up, dramatization, and sharing and progressively address themes including relational history, attachment experiences, breakup distress, grief processes, self-esteem, emotional communication, jealousy, emotional security, relational repair, intimacy, and relational role reconstruction.
In addition to evaluating clinical outcomes, the study aims to contribute to the methodological development of psychodrama research by implementing a structured intervention protocol and examining both quantitative and qualitative indicators of therapeutic change. Findings from this trial may contribute to a better understanding of the role of psychodrama in addressing unresolved breakup distress and promoting healthier functioning in subsequent romantic relationships. The results may also inform the development of evidence-based interventions targeting the long-term emotional and relational consequences of romantic relationship dissolution.
- Conditions
- Breakup Distress, Dyadic Adjustment
- Being tested
- Psychodrama Group Therapy for Unresolved Breakup Distress and Dyadic Adjustment
- Keywords
- Psychodrama, Breakup Distress, Dyadic Adjustment, group psychotherapy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Psychodrama Group Therapy for Unresolved Breakup Distress and Dyadic AdjustmentBehavioural
A manualized psychodrama group therapy program delivered in 15 weekly sessions of approximately 90-120 minutes. The intervention is based on Morenian psychodrama principles and uses techniques such as role reversal, soliloquy, mirroring, sociometry, sculpting, and dramatization to facilitate emotional processing of previous romantic relationship losses and promote healthier functioning in current romantic relationships. The program is delivered in a closed-group format by trained psychodrama practitioners.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Psychodrama Group Therapy | Experimental | Participants assigned to this arm will receive a structured psychodrama group therapy intervention consisting of 15 weekly sessions delivered in a closed-group format. Sessions are facilitated by trained psychodrama practitioners and focus on emotional processing of unresolved breakup distress, exploration of relational and attachment patterns, emotional communication, intimacy, trust, and dyadic adjustment in current romantic relationships. Receives: Behavioral: Psychodrama Group Therapy for Unresolved Breakup Distress and Dyadic Adjustment |
| Waiting-List Control | No intervention | Participants assigned to this arm will remain on a waiting list during the study period and will not receive the psychodrama intervention. They will complete all study assessments at the same time points as the intervention group and will be offered the opportunity to participate in the psychodrama program after completion of the follow-up assessments. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Breakup Distress
Assessment of breakup-related emotional distress using the Breakup Distress Scale (BDS). The BDS is a 16-item self-report measure assessing emotional distress associated with a previous romantic relationship breakup. Higher scores indicate greater breakup distress.
Measured: Baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks
Change in Dyadic Adjustment
Assessment of relationship functioning using the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS). The RDAS is a 14-item self-report measure evaluating overall dyadic adjustment and the dimensions of consensus, satisfaction, and cohesion within the current romantic relationship. Higher scores indicate better dyadic adjustment.
Measured: Baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks
Secondary outcomes (3)
Change in Psychological Functioning
Assessment of psychological functioning using the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Outcome Measure (CORE-OM). The CORE-OM is a 34-item self-report measure assessing subjective well-being, psychological symptoms, social functioning, and risk-related behaviors. Higher scores indicate greater psychological distress and impairment.
Measured: Baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks
Change in Perceived Relationship Quality
Assessment of perceived relationship quality using the Perceived Relationship Quality Components Inventory (PRQC). The PRQC is an 18-item self-report measure assessing satisfaction, commitment, intimacy, trust, passion, and love within the current romantic relationship. Higher scores indicate better perceived relationship quality.
Measured: Baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks
Change in Sexual Satisfaction
Assessment of sexual satisfaction using the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX). The GMSEX is a 5-item self-report measure assessing overall satisfaction with the sexual relationship with the current partner. Higher scores indicate greater sexual satisfaction.
Measured: Baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Jun 2026
- Study start23 Sep 2025
- Primary completionSep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionMay 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Breakup DistressStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a psychodrama group therapy intervention or a waiting-list control condition. The intervention group will receive a structured 15-session psychodrama group therapy program delivered weekly in a closed-group format. The waiting-list control group will not receive the study intervention during the study period but will be offered the opportunity to participate in the program after completion of follow-up assessments. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention (16 weeks), and follow-up (42 weeks). The study is designed to compare changes over time between groups in order to evaluate the effectiveness of psychodrama group therapy relative to the absence of active treatment during the study period.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universidade do Porto
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Filipe Ribeiro, Universidade do Porto
- Investigators
- Mariana V Martins, PhD, Study director, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at the University of PortoFilipa M Vieira, PhD, Study chair, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at the University of PortoFilipe N Ribeiro, PhD Student, Principal investigator, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at the University of Porto
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07658248
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Ref.ª 2025-02-01b (CdE FPCEUP)
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 18 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared due to the sensitive nature of the information collected and the need to protect participant confidentiality and privacy in accordance with ethical and data protection requirements.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Psychodrama Group Therapy for Unresolved Breakup Distress and Dyadic Adjustment in Current Romantic Relationships: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07658248
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Ref.ª 2025-02-01b (CdE FPCEUP)
- Conditions
- Breakup Distress, Dyadic Adjustment
- Keywords
- Psychodrama, Breakup Distress, Dyadic Adjustment, group psychotherapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Universidade do PortoUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 23 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- May 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 18 Jun 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.
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether a psychodrama group therapy intervention can reduce unresolved breakup distress and improve dyadic adjustment in adults currently involved in romantic relationships who have experienced a significant previous breakup.
The main questions this study aims to answer are:
- Does participation in psychodrama group therapy reduce breakup distress compared with a waiting-list control condition?
- Does participation in psychodrama group therapy improve dyadic adjustment and relationship functioning compared with a waiting-list control condition?
The researchers will compare participants receiving the psychodrama group therapy intervention with participants in a waiting-list control condition to determine whether the intervention leads to greater improvements in breakup distress, dyadic adjustment, psychological functioning, relationship quality, and sexual satisfaction.
Participants will:
- complete assessments at baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks;
- participate in a 15-session weekly psychodrama group therapy program (intervention group only);
- complete questionnaires assessing breakup distress, dyadic adjustment, psychological outcomes, relationship quality, and sexual satisfaction.
Detailed description
Romantic relationship breakups are common life events that may have substantial emotional and relational consequences. While many individuals adapt successfully over time, some continue to experience unresolved breakup distress characterized by persistent emotional suffering, difficulties processing the loss, and challenges integrating the experience into their personal and relational lives. Emerging evidence suggests that unresolved distress following a previous romantic breakup may negatively affect the quality of subsequent romantic relationships, including communication, intimacy, trust, emotional regulation, and overall dyadic adjustment.
Despite increasing recognition of the psychological and relational impact of romantic breakups, there is a limited evidence base regarding interventions specifically designed to address unresolved breakup distress. Furthermore, randomized controlled trials evaluating psychodrama interventions in this context remain scarce. Psychodrama is an experiential and action-oriented psychotherapy approach developed by Jacob Levy Moreno that uses dramatization, role-playing, role reversal, and other action methods to facilitate emotional expression, interpersonal insight, and behavioral change. Through the exploration of past and present relational experiences, psychodrama may help individuals process unresolved emotions associated with previous relationships, recognize maladaptive relational patterns, and develop more adaptive ways of relating in current relationships.
The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a manualized psychodrama group therapy program for adults currently involved in romantic relationships who continue to experience unresolved distress related to a significant previous breakup. The intervention was developed based on psychodramatic theory and clinical practice and focuses on emotional processing of previous relationship losses, exploration of attachment and relational patterns, enhancement of emotional communication, strengthening of intimacy and trust, and promotion of healthier dyadic functioning in current romantic relationships.
This study employs a randomized controlled design comparing a psychodrama group therapy intervention with a waiting-list control condition. The intervention consists of 15 weekly group sessions delivered in a closed-group format by trained psychodrama practitioners. Sessions follow the traditional psychodramatic structure of warm-up, dramatization, and sharing and progressively address themes including relational history, attachment experiences, breakup distress, grief processes, self-esteem, emotional communication, jealousy, emotional security, relational repair, intimacy, and relational role reconstruction.
In addition to evaluating clinical outcomes, the study aims to contribute to the methodological development of psychodrama research by implementing a structured intervention protocol and examining both quantitative and qualitative indicators of therapeutic change. Findings from this trial may contribute to a better understanding of the role of psychodrama in addressing unresolved breakup distress and promoting healthier functioning in subsequent romantic relationships. The results may also inform the development of evidence-based interventions targeting the long-term emotional and relational consequences of romantic relationship dissolution.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a psychodrama group therapy intervention or a waiting-list control condition. The intervention group will receive a structured 15-session psychodrama group therapy program delivered weekly in a closed-group format. The waiting-list control group will not receive the study intervention during the study period but will be offered the opportunity to participate in the program after completion of follow-up assessments. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention (16 weeks), and follow-up (42 weeks). The study is designed to compare changes over time between groups in order to evaluate the effectiveness of psychodrama group therapy relative to the absence of active treatment during the study period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Psychodrama Group Therapy | Experimental | Behavioral: Psychodrama Group Therapy for Unresolved Breakup Distress and Dyadic AdjustmentParticipants assigned to this arm will receive a structured psychodrama group therapy intervention consisting of 15 weekly sessions delivered in a closed-group format. Sessions are facilitated by trained psychodrama practitioners and focus on emotional processing of unresolved breakup distress, exploration of relational and attachment patterns, emotional communication, intimacy, trust, and dyadic adjustment in current romantic relationships. |
| Waiting-List Control | No intervention | –Participants assigned to this arm will remain on a waiting list during the study period and will not receive the psychodrama intervention. They will complete all study assessments at the same time points as the intervention group and will be offered the opportunity to participate in the psychodrama program after completion of the follow-up assessments. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Age 18 years or older;
- Currently involved in a romantic relationship for at least 6 months;
- History of at least one significant previous romantic relationship breakup;
- Presence of breakup distress related to a previous romantic breakup and/or difficulties in current dyadic adjustment;
- Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Presence of severe mental disorder that may interfere with participation in group psychotherapy;
- Severe active substance dependence;
- Current severe relational violence;
- Inability or unwillingness to provide written informed consent;
- Any clinical condition that, in the opinion of the research team, may compromise safe participation in the intervention.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Psychodrama Group Therapy for Unresolved Breakup Distress and Dyadic AdjustmentA manualized psychodrama group therapy program delivered in 15 weekly sessions of approximately 90-120 minutes. The intervention is based on Morenian psychodrama principles and uses techniques such as role reversal, soliloquy, mirroring, sociometry, sculpting, and dramatization to facilitate emotional processing of previous romantic relationship losses and promote healthier functioning in current romantic relationships. The program is delivered in a closed-group format by trained psychodrama practitioners. | Behavioural | Psychodrama Group Therapy |
Primary outcome
Change in Breakup Distress
Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks
Assessment of breakup-related emotional distress using the Breakup Distress Scale (BDS). The BDS is a 16-item self-report measure assessing emotional distress associated with a previous romantic relationship breakup. Higher scores indicate greater breakup distress.
Change in Dyadic Adjustment
Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks
Assessment of relationship functioning using the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS). The RDAS is a 14-item self-report measure evaluating overall dyadic adjustment and the dimensions of consensus, satisfaction, and cohesion within the current romantic relationship. Higher scores indicate better dyadic adjustment.
3 secondary outcomes
Change in Psychological Functioning
Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks
Change in Perceived Relationship Quality
Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks
Change in Sexual Satisfaction
Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks
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 18 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared due to the sensitive nature of the information collected and the need to protect participant confidentiality and privacy in accordance with ethical and data protection requirements.
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.
Mariana V Martins, PhD study director
Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at the University of Porto
Filipa M Vieira, PhD study chair
Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at the University of Porto
Filipe N Ribeiro, PhD Student principal investigator
Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at the University of Porto
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Psychodrama Group Therapy for Unresolved Breakup Distress and Dyadic Adjustment in people with Breakup Distress and Dyadic Adjustment, run by Universidade do Porto at 1 site in Portugal.
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 5 inclusion and 5 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 18 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 Portugal. 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 Filipe N Ribeiro, PhD Student ((+351) 915457227, up202408511@edu.fpce.up.pt), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Breakup Distress (time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks). The study lists 2 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 18 Jun 2026.