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NCT Number: NCT07104851

A Hybrid Psychological Intervention for Depression in Adolescents

This multi-center, randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and long-term effects of a novel hybrid psychological intervention, which combines Resilience Theory with the Satir Model, for adolescents diagnosed with depression. The study compared this intervention to treatment as usual (TAU) to determine its impact on depressive symptoms, psychological resilience, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.

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Key information

Conditions

Adolescent Depression

Age range

13 year–18 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University

Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China

About this study

Adolescent depression is a significant and growing public health concern. Traditional therapies have limitations, highlighting a need for innovative, engaging interventions. This study was designed to address this gap by developing and testing a hybrid model that integrates the strengths-based approach of Resilience Theory with the systemic, humanistic principles of the Satir Model. The study hypothesized that this combined intervention would be more effective than standard care in not only alleviating depressive symptoms but also in building lasting psychosocial resources. A total of 420 adolescents with depression were randomized to either the 12-week hybrid intervention group or a control group receiving treatment as usual. The intervention program was structured in three modules focusing on self-awareness, skill-building, and future-orientation. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention (12 weeks), and at a 6-month follow-up to evaluate the sustainability of the effects.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Diagnosis of a major depressive episode according to DSM-5 criteria, confirmed by two independent psychiatrists.
  • First episode, with a duration of 4 weeks to 12 months.
  • Age between 13 and 18 years.
  • HAMD-17 score ≥ 17.
  • Capable of normal communication.
  • Provision of informed consent by both the adolescent and legal guardians.

Exclusion criteria

  • Lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders.
  • Depression secondary to a general medical condition or substance use.
  • Acute suicidal risk (score ≥ 4 on MADRS item 10) requiring immediate intensive care.
  • Currently receiving structured psychotherapy.
  • Severe neurological or physical illness that could interfere with participation.

Treatment and study plan

Resilience-Satir Hybrid Intervention

Behavioral

A structured, 12-week, group-based psychological intervention integrating principles from Resilience Theory and the Satir Model to enhance coping skills, self-esteem, communication, and family dynamics.

Treatment as usual (TAU)

Other

Standard care for adolescent depression, including pharmacotherapy and routine nursing support, without structured psychotherapy.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Depressive Symptoms as Measured by the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 6-month follow-up

    A clinician-rated scale assessing the severity of depression. Total scores range from 0 to 52. A lower score indicates a better outcome.

  2. Change in Depressive Symptoms as Measured by the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 6-month follow-up

    A clinician-rated scale sensitive to changes in core depressive symptoms. Total scores range from 0 to 60. A lower score indicates a better outcome.

  3. Change in Depressive Symptoms as Measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 6-month follow-up

    A 21-item self-report questionnaire assessing the severity of depression. A lower score indicates a better outcome.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Psychological Resilience as Measured by the Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescents (RSCA)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 6-month follow-up

    A 27-item self-report scale assessing personal strength and support strength. A higher score indicates better resilience.

  2. Change in Self-Esteem as Measured by the Feelings of Inferiority Scale (FIS)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 6-month follow-up

    A 36-item self-report scale measuring self-esteem. A higher score indicates higher self-esteem and a better outcome.

  3. Change in Coping Styles as Measured by the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 6-month follow-up

    A 20-item self-report measure assessing positive and negative coping styles. An increase in the positive coping subscale score indicates a better outcome.

  4. Change in Medication Adherence as Measured by the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 6-month follow-up

    A 10-item self-report scale assessing medication compliance behavior and attitudes. A higher score indicates better adherence.

  5. Change in Family Function as Measured by the Family APGAR Index

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 6-month follow-up

    A 5-item screening tool to assess an individual's perception of family function (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, Resolve). A higher score indicates better family function.

  6. Change in Social Support as Measured by the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 6-month follow-up

    A 12-item scale measuring perceived support from family, friends, and significant others. A higher score indicates better perceived social support.

  7. Change in Quality of Life as Measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 6-month follow-up

    A 26-item self-report a measure assessing quality of life across four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. Higher scores indicate a better quality of life.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Efficacy and Sustainability of a Hybrid Psychological Intervention Integrating Resilience Theory and the Satir Model on Depression, Resilience, and Quality of Life in Adolescents: A Multi-center, Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Aug 5, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 5, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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