Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adolescent Mental HealthBSCIP-ACENCT07875439
Self-Compassion Based Psychoeducation Program for Adolescents With Adverse Childhood Experiences
A study testing Brief Self-Compassion Intervention Program (BSCIP) in people with Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adolescent Mental Health, run by Ahmet Alkal at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This randomized controlled experimental study examined the effects of a brief self-compassion intervention program (BSCIP) on mental health outcomes among adolescents reporting four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 14 to 17 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adolescent Mental Health
- What is being tested?
- Brief Self-Compassion Intervention Program (BSCIP)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 28 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 19 Nov 2025to 12 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 14 to 17 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child
Who may be able to join
- • Being enrolled in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade,
- Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study and providing written consent from their parents,
- Reporting having experienced at least four or more ACEs
Who cannot join
- • Having received a diagnosis of any mental health disorder within the last year,
- Having received or currently receiving psychological support services within the last year,
- Having used or currently using any psychopharmacological medication within the last year,
- Having participated or currently participating in any psycho-educational programme conducted within the school within the last year.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Bingol University Vocational School of Social Sciences
Bingoel, Bingöl, 12000
About this study
Official title: The Effect of a Brief Self-Compassion Intervention on the Mental Health of Adolescents With Adverse Childhood Experiences: A Randomized Controlled Experimental Study
This randomized controlled experimental study examined the effects of a brief self-compassion intervention program (BSCIP) on mental health outcomes among adolescents reporting four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
The study used a randomized controlled pre-test-post-test-follow-up design with a control group. Adolescents who met the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received a structured four-session BSCIP, while the control group did not receive any structured intervention during the study period.
Read more
The BSCIP was based on self-compassion theory and included psychoeducational content and experiential exercises focusing on self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity. The program was delivered in a school setting.
Outcome assessments were conducted at pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up. Primary outcomes included stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms, assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Secondary outcomes included self-compassion, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being, assessed using validated self-report measures. Data were analyzed using a two-way mixed analysis of variance.
Read the detailed description
This randomized controlled experimental study was designed to examine the effects of a brief self-compassion intervention program (BSCIP) on mental health outcomes among adolescents with four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Adverse childhood experiences are associated with various psychological difficulties during adolescence, including stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Self-compassion-based approaches have been proposed as a potential psychological resource in adolescent mental health and well-being.
The BSCIP is a structured, school-based psychological intervention based on self-compassion theory. The program consists of four sessions and includes psychoeducational content and experiential exercises focusing on self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity.
Participants who met the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received the four-session BSCIP, while the control group did not receive any structured intervention during the study period.
Outcome assessments were conducted at three time points: pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up. Primary outcomes included stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms, measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Secondary outcomes included self-compassion, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being, measured using validated self-report scales.
The study was conducted in a school setting with adolescents aged 14-18 years who met the specified eligibility criteria. Data were analyzed using a two-way mixed analysis of variance to examine changes over time and differences between the intervention and control groups.
- Being tested
- Brief Self-Compassion Intervention Program (BSCIP)
- Keywords
- Self-compassion ıntervention, adverse childhood experiences, depression, anxiety, stress, life satisfaction, mental well-being
- Medical subject headings
- Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Personal Satisfaction, Psychological Well-Being
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Brief Self-Compassion Intervention Program (BSCIP)Behavioural
The Brief Self-Compassion Intervention Program (BSCIP) is a structured, school-based psychological intervention consisting of four sessions. The program is based on self-compassion theory and includes psychoeducational content and experiential exercises designed to enhance self-kindness, mindfulness, and a sense of common humanity. The intervention aims to improve emotional regulation, reduce stress, and strengthen psychological well-being in adolescents with adverse childhood experiences.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group (BSCIP Intervention) | Experimental | Participants in this group received a brief self-compassion intervention program (BSCIP) consisting of four structured sessions focusing on self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity. Receives: Behavioral: Brief Self-Compassion Intervention Program (BSCIP) |
| Control Group (No Intervention) | No intervention | Participants in the control group did not receive any structured psychological intervention during the study period. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Stress symptoms
Stress symptoms were measured using the Stress subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21).
Measured: Baseline (pre-test), immediately after the intervention (post-test), and 3-month follow-up
Anxiety symptoms
Anxiety symptoms were measured using the Anxiety subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21).
Measured: Baseline (pre-test), immediately post-intervention (post-test), and 3-month follow-up
Depressive symptoms
Depressive symptoms were measured using the Depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21).
Measured: Baseline (pre-test), immediately post-intervention (post-test), and 3-month follow-up
Secondary outcomes (3)
Self-compassion
Self-compassion was measured using the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF).
Measured: Baseline (pre-test), immediately post-intervention (post-test), and 3-month follow-up
Life satisfaction
Life satisfaction was measured using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).
Measured: Baseline (pre-test), immediately post-intervention (post-test), and 3-month follow-up
Psychological well-being
Psychological well-being was measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS).
Measured: Baseline (pre-test), immediately post-intervention (post-test), and 3-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 posted15 Oct 2026
- Study start19 Nov 2025
- Primary completion18 Dec 2025
- Study completion12 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adolescent Mental HealthStudies 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
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- A two-arm parallel group randomized controlled design was used, consisting of an intervention group receiving the brief self-compassion intervention program and a control group receiving no intervention during the study period.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ahmet Alkal
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Ahmet Alkal, Bingol University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07875439
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BSCIP-ACE-RCT-01
- Acronym
- BSCIP-ACE
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 5 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 15 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to the sensitive nature of the dataset, which includes adolescent participants and information related to adverse childhood experiences. Data will be reported in aggregate form to protect participant confidentiality and comply with ethical approval requirements.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 15 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of a Brief Self-Compassion Intervention on the Mental Health of Adolescents With Adverse Childhood Experiences: A Randomized Controlled Experimental Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07875439
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BSCIP-ACE / BSCIP-ACE-RCT-01
- Keywords
- Self-compassion ıntervention, adverse childhood experiences, depression, anxiety, stress, life satisfaction, mental well-being
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ahmet AlkalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 19 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 18 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 12 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 Oct 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 randomized controlled experimental study examined the effects of a brief self-compassion intervention program (BSCIP) on mental health outcomes among adolescents reporting four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
The study used a randomized controlled pre-test-post-test-follow-up design with a control group. Adolescents who met the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received a structured four-session BSCIP, while the control group did not receive any structured intervention during the study period.
The BSCIP was based on self-compassion theory and included psychoeducational content and experiential exercises focusing on self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity. The program was delivered in a school setting.
Outcome assessments were conducted at pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up. Primary outcomes included stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms, assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Secondary outcomes included self-compassion, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being, assessed using validated self-report measures. Data were analyzed using a two-way mixed analysis of variance.
Detailed description
This randomized controlled experimental study was designed to examine the effects of a brief self-compassion intervention program (BSCIP) on mental health outcomes among adolescents with four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Adverse childhood experiences are associated with various psychological difficulties during adolescence, including stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Self-compassion-based approaches have been proposed as a potential psychological resource in adolescent mental health and well-being.
The BSCIP is a structured, school-based psychological intervention based on self-compassion theory. The program consists of four sessions and includes psychoeducational content and experiential exercises focusing on self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity.
Participants who met the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received the four-session BSCIP, while the control group did not receive any structured intervention during the study period.
Outcome assessments were conducted at three time points: pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up. Primary outcomes included stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms, measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Secondary outcomes included self-compassion, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being, measured using validated self-report scales.
The study was conducted in a school setting with adolescents aged 14-18 years who met the specified eligibility criteria. Data were analyzed using a two-way mixed analysis of variance to examine changes over time and differences between the intervention and control groups.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- A two-arm parallel group randomized controlled design was used, consisting of an intervention group receiving the brief self-compassion intervention program and a control group receiving no intervention during the study period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group (BSCIP Intervention) | Experimental | Behavioral: Brief Self-Compassion Intervention Program (BSCIP)Participants in this group received a brief self-compassion intervention program (BSCIP) consisting of four structured sessions focusing on self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity. |
| Control Group (No Intervention) | No intervention | –Participants in the control group did not receive any structured psychological intervention during the study period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 14 to 17 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- • Being enrolled in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade,
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- • Having received a diagnosis of any mental health disorder within the last year,
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Brief Self-Compassion Intervention Program (BSCIP)The Brief Self-Compassion Intervention Program (BSCIP) is a structured, school-based psychological intervention consisting of four sessions. The program is based on self-compassion theory and includes psychoeducational content and experiential exercises designed to enhance self-kindness, mindfulness, and a sense of common humanity. The intervention aims to improve emotional regulation, reduce stress, and strengthen psychological well-being in adolescents with adverse childhood experiences. | Behavioural | Experimental Group (BSCIP Intervention) |
Primary outcome
Stress symptoms
Time frame: Baseline (pre-test), immediately after the intervention (post-test), and 3-month follow-up
Stress symptoms were measured using the Stress subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21).
Anxiety symptoms
Time frame: Baseline (pre-test), immediately post-intervention (post-test), and 3-month follow-up
Anxiety symptoms were measured using the Anxiety subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21).
Depressive symptoms
Time frame: Baseline (pre-test), immediately post-intervention (post-test), and 3-month follow-up
Depressive symptoms were measured using the Depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21).
3 secondary outcomes
Self-compassion
Time frame: Baseline (pre-test), immediately post-intervention (post-test), and 3-month follow-up
Life satisfaction
Time frame: Baseline (pre-test), immediately post-intervention (post-test), and 3-month follow-up
Psychological well-being
Time frame: Baseline (pre-test), immediately post-intervention (post-test), and 3-month follow-up
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 15 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to the sensitive nature of the dataset, which includes adolescent participants and information related to adverse childhood experiences. Data will be reported in aggregate form to protect participant confidentiality and comply with ethical approval 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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Brief Self-Compassion Intervention Program (BSCIP) in people with Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adolescent Mental Health, run by Ahmet Alkal at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 3 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Oct 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Stress symptoms (time frame: Baseline (pre-test), immediately after the intervention (post-test), and 3-month follow-up). 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 15 Oct 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 1 Nov 2026.