RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07138417

The Therapeutic Mechanism of Compassion-Based Family Intervention

Investigating the Therapeutic Mechanism of Compassion-Based Family Intervention for Adolescents With Emotional Disorders and Their Parents

Sponsor

Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital

Enrollment

120 participants

Start Date

Aug 30, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Emotional Disorder

Summary

1. To investigate the correlations between self-compassion-related variables in parents of adolescents with emotional disorders and parenting stress as well as self-stigmatization; and the correlations between self-compassion-related variables and the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of a Compassion-Focused Family Intervention in increasing self-compassion among adolescents and their parents, and in reducing parenting stress, self-stigmatization, and the severity of adolescent depression and anxiety. 3. To explore the neural and physiological mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of the compassion intervention on parent-child interactions, using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning and wearable wristband devices.

Eligibility

Min Age: 12 YearsMax Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria8

Adolescents aged 12-18 years
Required scores at enrollment: 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) total score≥17 and ≤30; or Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) total score ≥18 and ≤29
Required scores at enrollment: The item 3 score of HAMD-17 (suicide) ≤2
No clear suicide plan or recent suicide attempt history; with consistent feedback from parents/guardians
No history of severe psychotic symptoms or manic episodes
No history of substance abuse
Parent(s) willing to participate
Absence of psychotic symptoms, no contraindications for MRI, and no major physical illnesses, etc.

Exclusion Criteria4

Adolescents diagnosed with a major psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia)
Adolescents presenting with comorbid psychotic features
Adolescents assessed as having suicide risk
Parents who are illiterate (lacking reading and writing ability)

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Interventions

OTHERCompassion-Based Family Therapy

Draw ideas from traditional Chinese culture, the investigators have developed the compassion-based family intervention therapy to improve the mental health of both parents and children by enhancing their synchronization. The 6-week program followed a progressive thematic structure. Week 1 focuses on introduction and connection, themed "Setting Sail: The Additions and Subtractions for a Happy Family." Weeks 2 and 3 address self-compassion: Week 2 is themed "Self-compassion: Embrace yourself with compassion here and now."; Week 3 is themed "Self-compassion: Accepting "growing pains."." Weeks 4 and 5 explored developing compassion for others: Week 4 is themed "Listening to the heart: Enhancing communication, bringing us closer."; Week 5 is themed "Building a harbor together: Managing conflict, creating happiness" Week 6 involves integration and review, themed "Integrating knowledge and action: Practicing compassion, lighting the path forward."