A Text-Based Expressive Writing Program for Adolescents at Risk of Suicide

Sponsor
Hallym University Medical Center
Study ID
NCT07479823
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Adolescent Mental Health
  • Self-Injurious Behavior
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Suicide Risk

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
13 Years - 24 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Structured Expressive Writing Intervention — BEHAVIORAL
    A structured expressive writing program in which participants complete guided writing sessions several times per week for four weeks. Each session lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes and focuses on emotional awareness and personal reflection.
  • Treatment as Usual (TAU) — BEHAVIORAL
    Participants receive the standard mental health care or support services that are normally available during the study period.

Study Details

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a structured expressive writing program can help reduce suicidal thoughts in adolescents and young adults who have experienced suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or self-harm. The study will include participants aged 13 to 24 years who are receiving mental health care or have recently been identified as being at risk for suicide. The main questions the study aims to answer are: * Does a structured expressive writing program lower suicidal thoughts compared with usual care alone? * Does the program improve depression, impulsivity, and self-esteem? Researchers will compare participants who receive the expressive writing program together with treatment as usual to participants who receive treatment as usual alone. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to one of two groups: a writing program group or a usual care group * Complete questionnaires about mood, suicidal thoughts, and well-being at the start of the study, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks * If assigned to the writing program group, complete guided writing activities several times per week for 4 weeks. Each writing session will take about 15 to 20 minutes and will focus on understanding emotions, personal experiences, relationships, and meaning in difficult experiences. Researchers will study whether this writing program is a helpful and practical way to support young people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.

Key Dates

First listed
Mar 18, 2026
Start date
Apr 1, 2026
Status verified
Mar 2026
Primary completion
Dec 31, 2027
Completion
Mar 31, 2028

Study Design

Enrollment
160 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Expressive Writing Intervention plus Treatment as Usual
    Participants in this group receive a structured expressive writing intervention in addition to treatment as usual.
  • Active Comparator: Treatment as Usual
    Participants receive treatment as usual, which may include standard mental health care or counseling services.

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in Suicidal Ideation [ Time Frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks ]

Central Contacts

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