Wellness ProgramNCT07836075
Brief Meaning-making for Young Adult Cancer Survivors
A study testing Meaning-making in people with Wellness Program and Cancer Survivorship, run by The University of Hong Kong at 1 site in Hong Kong.
Trial summary
The goal of this feasibility study is to learn if a brief meaning-making wellness intervention based on Viktor Frankl's Existential Psychology works to improve fatigue levels in Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS) who have completed primary treatment. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 39 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Wellness Program, Cancer Survivorship, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors
- What is being tested?
- Meaning-making
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHong Kong
- Study dates
- 28 Sep 2026to 30 Sep 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 to 39 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Cancer survivors currently aged 18-39, including who are currently either cancer-free, in remission, or receiving maintenance therapy.
- Having completed primary cancer treatment for at least about 2 months.
- Able to speak, read, and comprehend Cantonese, and able to comprehend English.
- Ambulatory
- No auditory, visual or language or reading disabilities (e.g. aphasia, deafness)
- Able to complete online questionnaires.
- Able to use laptop.
- Willing to accept randomization.
Who cannot join
- Current severe or untreated psychiatric disorder that would preclude participation in class activities.
- Displaying any psychotic symptoms which would hinder class participation.
- Having physical, sensory disabilities or cognitive impairment that would preclude face-to-face class. attendance and group-based interaction.
- Unwilling to accept randomization.
- Currently receiving any type of psychotherapy
- Having received any Franklian existential psychology-related interventions, Logotherapy or Meaning-centred Psychotherapy before.
- Remark: Some inclusion and exclusion criteria are purposely omitted at this time to preserve scientific integrity. They will be included after the trial is complete.
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
The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Ki Sum Samson Wong, MSocSc, FHEA, FAcadMEd, AFAMEE, (852)39179309, samsonks@connect.hku.hk
About this study
Official title: Brief Meaning-making Program for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS): An Open-label Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study
The goal of this feasibility study is to learn if a brief meaning-making wellness intervention based on Viktor Frankl's Existential Psychology works to improve fatigue levels in Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS) who have completed primary treatment. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- What would be the recruitment and retention rates?
- What might the feedback from participants be?
- Could there be any effects on fatigue and other related symptoms? Researchers will compare meaning-making to usual care (no intervention) to see if meaning-making works to improve fatigue and other symptoms in YACS.
Read more
Participants will:
- Complete questionnaires (self-reported outcome measures) at baseline, 1-week post-intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.
- Attend an in-person, two-session brief meaning-making program
Read the detailed description
Background:
Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS) refers to young adults aged 18-39 with a history of cancer, with "survivor" status defined as having completed primary treatment for cancer. YACS encompasses both survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer (defined as primary cancer onset at age of 15-39) and childhood cancer (defined as primary cancer onset at age of 0-14). According to statistics from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, there were 1,471 new cases of AYA cancer and 111 cases of childhood cancer in 2023.
Studies have found fatigue to be prevalent and particularly distressing among Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS): 1 in every 4 YACS continued to experience persistent chronic fatigue even after a median of 14 years since cancer diagnosis.
In this connection, we propose a brief meaning-making education program, grounded in Viktor Frankl's Existential Psychology, for facilitating fatigue management in post-treatment Young Adult Cancer Survivors.
Methods:
Participants will be randomly assigned to intervention (2-session, in-person meaning-making education) or control (usual care) at a 1:1 ratio. This study is designed as open label since both interventionist and participants could not be blinded to meaning-making nature of the intervention versus control (no intervention). To prevent contamination, participants in the intervention arm will be advised to avoid discussing the intervention content with others.
Intervention development process will be guided by a Faculty Member of the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy. Intervention will be delivered by a University lecturer upon completion of 105 hours of training as part of a certificate program at the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy. Throughout the study period, the interventionist will receive ongoing supervision from a locally registered counselling psychologist in Hong Kong.
- Being tested
- Meaning-making
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Meaning-makingOther
The proposed intervention will be an in-person, group-based, meaning-making wellness programme (two sessions, each 2 to 3-hr long), for Young Adult Cancer Survivors.
Intervention content will be based on core philosophical tenets and concepts of Viktor Frankl's Existential Psychology. Activities include didactic teaching, group discussions, as well as reflective activities through audio-visual media such as visual stories, games, photos, videos and music.
The intervention does not involve psychotherapy.
Intervention development process will be guided by a Faculty Member of the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy. Intervention will be delivered by a University lecturer upon completion of 105 hours of training as part of a certificate program at the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy. Throughout the study period, the interventionist will receive ongoing supervision from a locally registered counselling psychologist in Hong Kong.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning-making | Experimental | Subjects randomized to this experimental arm will receive the Intervention Receives: Other: Meaning-making |
| Control | No intervention | Subjects randomized to this Control Group will not receive any Intervention. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Fatigue
The Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) is used for assessing Fatigue levels. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater severity of Fatigue.
Measured: Baseline
Fatigue
The Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) is used for assessing Fatigue levels. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater severity of Fatigue.
Measured: 1-week Post-intervention
Fatigue
The Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) is used for assessing Fatigue levels. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater severity of Fatigue.
Measured: 1-month Follow-up
Secondary outcomes (18)
Depression
The Depression subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D) is used for assessing Depressive Symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater severity of Depressive Symptoms.
Measured: Baseline
Depression
The Depression subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D) is used for assessing Depressive Symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater severity of Depressive Symptoms.
Measured: 1-week Post-intervention
Depression
The Depression subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D) is used for assessing Depressive Symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater severity of Depressive Symptoms.
Measured: 1-month Follow-up
Anxiety
The Anxiety subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) is used for assessing Anxiety Symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater severity of Anxiety Symptoms.
Measured: Baseline
Anxiety
The Anxiety subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) is used for assessing Anxiety Symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater severity of Anxiety Symptoms.
Measured: 1-week Post-intervention
Anxiety
The Anxiety subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) is used for assessing Anxiety Symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater severity of Anxiety Symptoms.
Measured: 1-month Follow-up
Sleep Quality
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is used for assessing Sleep Quality. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating poorer Sleep Quality and greater severity of Sleep Disturbances.
Measured: Baseline
Sleep Quality
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is used for assessing Sleep Quality. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating poorer Sleep Quality and greater severity of Sleep Disturbances.
Measured: 1-week Post-intervention
Sleep Quality
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is used for assessing Sleep Quality. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating poorer Sleep Quality and greater severity of Sleep Disturbances.
Measured: 1-week Follow-up
Presence of Meaning in Life
The Presence of Meaning subscale of Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ-P) is used for assessing the extent to which individuals experience presence of meaning and purpose in their lives. Scores range from 5 to 35, with higher scores indicating higher Presence of Meaning.
Measured: Baseline
Presence of Meaning in Life
The Presence of Meaning subscale of Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ-P) is used for assessing the extent to which individuals experience presence of meaning and purpose in their lives. Scores range from 5 to 35, with higher scores indicating higher Presence of Meaning.
Measured: 1-week Post-intervention
Presence of Meaning in Life
The Presence of Meaning subscale of Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ-P) is used for assessing the extent to which individuals experience presence of meaning and purpose in their lives. Scores range from 5 to 35, with higher scores indicating higher Presence of Meaning.
Measured: 1-month Follow-up
Search for Meaning
The Search of Meaning subscale of Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ-S) is used for assessing how actively individuals seek meaning and purpose in their lives. Scores range from 5 to 35, with higher scores indicating greater search for meaning.
Measured: Baseline
Search for Meaning
The Search of Meaning subscale of Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ-S) is used for assessing how actively individuals seek meaning and purpose in their lives. Scores range from 5 to 35, with higher scores indicating greater search for meaning.
Measured: 1-week Post-intervention
Search for Meaning
The Search of Meaning subscale of Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ-S) is used for assessing how actively individuals seek meaning and purpose in their lives. Scores range from 5 to 35, with higher scores indicating greater search for meaning.
Measured: 1-month Follow-up
Quality of Life, measured by MQOL
The McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL) is used for assessing Quality of Life. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating better Quality of Life.
Measured: Baseline
Quality of Life, measured by MQOL
The McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL) is used for assessing Quality of Life. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating better Quality of Life.
Measured: 1-week Post-intervention
Quality of Life, measured by MQOL
The McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL) is used for assessing Quality of Life. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating better Quality of Life.
Measured: 1-month Follow-up
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Sep 2026
- Study start28 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Sep 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Sep 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Wellness ProgramStudies 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
- 50 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The University of Hong Kong
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ki Sum Samson WONG, The University of Hong Kong
- Investigators
- Ki Sum Samson Wong, MSocSc, FHEA, FAcadMEd, AFAMEE, Principal investigator, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07836075
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- EA260509
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 23 Sep 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 23 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Brief Meaning-making Program for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS): An Open-label Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07836075
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- EA260509
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- The University of Hong KongUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 28 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Sep 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Sep 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 23 Sep 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 goal of this feasibility study is to learn if a brief meaning-making wellness intervention based on Viktor Frankl's Existential Psychology works to improve fatigue levels in Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS) who have completed primary treatment. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- What would be the recruitment and retention rates?
- What might the feedback from participants be?
- Could there be any effects on fatigue and other related symptoms? Researchers will compare meaning-making to usual care (no intervention) to see if meaning-making works to improve fatigue and other symptoms in YACS.
Participants will:
- Complete questionnaires (self-reported outcome measures) at baseline, 1-week post-intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.
- Attend an in-person, two-session brief meaning-making program
Detailed description
Background:
Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS) refers to young adults aged 18-39 with a history of cancer, with "survivor" status defined as having completed primary treatment for cancer. YACS encompasses both survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer (defined as primary cancer onset at age of 15-39) and childhood cancer (defined as primary cancer onset at age of 0-14). According to statistics from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, there were 1,471 new cases of AYA cancer and 111 cases of childhood cancer in 2023.
Studies have found fatigue to be prevalent and particularly distressing among Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS): 1 in every 4 YACS continued to experience persistent chronic fatigue even after a median of 14 years since cancer diagnosis.
In this connection, we propose a brief meaning-making education program, grounded in Viktor Frankl's Existential Psychology, for facilitating fatigue management in post-treatment Young Adult Cancer Survivors.
Methods:
Participants will be randomly assigned to intervention (2-session, in-person meaning-making education) or control (usual care) at a 1:1 ratio. This study is designed as open label since both interventionist and participants could not be blinded to meaning-making nature of the intervention versus control (no intervention). To prevent contamination, participants in the intervention arm will be advised to avoid discussing the intervention content with others.
Intervention development process will be guided by a Faculty Member of the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy. Intervention will be delivered by a University lecturer upon completion of 105 hours of training as part of a certificate program at the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy. Throughout the study period, the interventionist will receive ongoing supervision from a locally registered counselling psychologist in Hong Kong.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning-making | Experimental | Other: Meaning-makingSubjects randomized to this experimental arm will receive the Intervention |
| Control | No intervention | –Subjects randomized to this Control Group will not receive any Intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 39 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Cancer survivors currently aged 18-39, including who are currently either cancer-free, in remission, or receiving maintenance therapy.
- Having completed primary cancer treatment for at least about 2 months.
- Able to speak, read, and comprehend Cantonese, and able to comprehend English.
- Ambulatory
- No auditory, visual or language or reading disabilities (e.g. aphasia, deafness)
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Current severe or untreated psychiatric disorder that would preclude participation in class activities.
- Displaying any psychotic symptoms which would hinder class participation.
- Having physical, sensory disabilities or cognitive impairment that would preclude face-to-face class. attendance and group-based interaction.
- Unwilling to accept randomization.
- Currently receiving any type of psychotherapy
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning-makingThe proposed intervention will be an in-person, group-based, meaning-making wellness programme (two sessions, each 2 to 3-hr long), for Young Adult Cancer Survivors. Intervention content will be based on core philosophical tenets and concepts of Viktor Frankl's Existential Psychology. Activities include didactic teaching, group discussions, as well as reflective activities through audio-visual media such as visual stories, games, photos, videos and music. The intervention does not involve psychotherapy. Intervention development process will be guided by a Faculty Member of the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy. Intervention will be delivered by a University lecturer upon completion of 105 hours of training as part of a certificate program at the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy. Throughout the study period, the interventionist will receive ongoing supervision from a locally registered counselling psychologist in Hong Kong. | Other | Meaning-making |
Primary outcome
Fatigue
Time frame: Baseline
The Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) is used for assessing Fatigue levels. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater severity of Fatigue.
Fatigue
Time frame: 1-week Post-intervention
The Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) is used for assessing Fatigue levels. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater severity of Fatigue.
Fatigue
Time frame: 1-month Follow-up
The Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) is used for assessing Fatigue levels. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater severity of Fatigue.
18 secondary outcomes
Depression
Time frame: Baseline
Depression
Time frame: 1-week Post-intervention
Depression
Time frame: 1-month Follow-up
Anxiety
Time frame: Baseline
Anxiety
Time frame: 1-week Post-intervention
Anxiety
Time frame: 1-month Follow-up
Sleep Quality
Time frame: Baseline
Sleep Quality
Time frame: 1-week Post-intervention
Sleep Quality
Time frame: 1-week Follow-up
Presence of Meaning in Life
Time frame: Baseline
Presence of Meaning in Life
Time frame: 1-week Post-intervention
Presence of Meaning in Life
Time frame: 1-month Follow-up
Search for Meaning
Time frame: Baseline
Search for Meaning
Time frame: 1-week Post-intervention
Search for Meaning
Time frame: 1-month Follow-up
Quality of Life, measured by MQOL
Time frame: Baseline
Quality of Life, measured by MQOL
Time frame: 1-week Post-intervention
Quality of Life, measured by MQOL
Time frame: 1-month Follow-up
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 23 Sep 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.
Ki Sum Samson Wong, MSocSc, FHEA, FAcadMEd, AFAMEE principal investigator
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Meaning-making in people with Wellness Program and Cancer Survivorship, 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 8 inclusion and 7 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 23 Sep 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 Ki Sum Samson Wong, MSocSc, FHEA, FAcadMEd, AFAMEE ((852)39179309, samsonks@connect.hku.hk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Fatigue (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 23 Sep 2026.