MedDataX Logo

A Group-based Treatment for Self-stigma in People With Mental Disorders in North-east Italy

NCT06567145 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 416

Last updated 2024-11-26

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Self-stigma refers to the internalization of negative stereotypes by individuals with mental disorders, leading to beliefs that they are dangerous, aggressive, or incapable of working. This phenomenon has harmful effects on various aspects of life, such as adherence to treatment, self-esteem, quality of life, and can increase feelings of despair and suicide risk. To address these issues, the Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy (NECT) was developed. NECT is a group-based intervention consisting of 20 sessions designed to reduce self-stigma in individuals with mental disorders.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of NECT in 416 patients from 26 mental health centers in Northeast Italy. It is structured as a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms. The study will assess the impact of NECT on several psychological dimensions, including levels of self-stigma, self-esteem, hope, empowerment, perception of recovery, mental well-being, and stigma-related stress. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the understanding of effective treatments for patients with mental disorders, particularly those burdened by high levels of self-stigma, and to improve their recovery outcomes.

Conditions

  • Stigma
  • Mental Disorders
  • Self-stigma

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Narrative Enhancement Cognitive Therapy (NECT)

The Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy (NECT) consists of 20 group sessions divided into five parts: orientation (2 sessions), psychoeducation on stigma (3 sessions), cognitive restructuring (7 sessions), narrative enhancement (7 sessions), and a concluding reflection (1 session). The program helps participants challenge self-stigmatizing beliefs, develop coping skills, and create a new, positive narrative about themselves. Each session lasts about an hour, with a structured format of introduction, main discussion, and conclusion, encouraging active participation and reflection on personal experiences. The intervention ultimately fosters self-efficacy, control, and hope for the future.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Universita di Verona

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2024-10-01
Primary Completion
2025-10-01
Completion
2025-10-01

Countries

  • Italy

Study Locations

Related Clinical Trials

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06567145 on ClinicalTrials.gov