Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Racial Stress
(ACT for SCD Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help Black adolescents and young adults manage stress related to racial experiences. The therapy includes 10 group sessions aimed at improving coping skills. Participants with Sickle Cell Disease who experience racial stress might be a good fit. Those who join must be comfortable speaking English and have a reliable internet connection for online group meetings. The study aims to determine if this therapeutic approach is both practical and beneficial for participants. As a Phase 1/Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people and measuring its effectiveness in an initial, smaller group.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on therapy for racial stress, so it's likely you can continue your medications, but please confirm with the study team.
What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for Black adolescents and young adults?
Research has shown that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is generally well-received by young people. Studies on ACT for racial stress have demonstrated positive outcomes, including reduced stress and anxiety. Many locations have used this therapy with few reports of serious side effects. Most participants find the sessions helpful and safe. The reviewed studies reported no major negative events, suggesting ACT is a safe choice for those dealing with race-related stress.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for racial stress is unique because it specifically targets the psychological effects of race-related stress, which is not a primary focus of standard treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication. Unlike these traditional options that generally address anxiety and depression in a broader sense, ACT helps individuals accept their thoughts and feelings related to racial stress and commit to actions that align with their personal values. Researchers are excited about this therapy because it offers a tailored approach, using a 10-session protocol designed to empower Black adolescents and young adults to cope more effectively with the unique stressors they face, potentially leading to more meaningful and lasting improvements in mental health.
What evidence suggests that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy might be an effective treatment for race-related stress?
Research shows that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps reduce stress and improve well-being. Studies have found that ACT assists people from various backgrounds in handling different stressors. Specifically, it lowers symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). In this trial, some participants will receive ACT tailored for race-related stress, a promising method to ease distress and enhance mental health. Overall, early findings support using ACT to effectively manage stress related to race.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Xzania Lee, PhD
Principal Investigator
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking Black or African American adolescents who can meaningfully agree to participate. It's not suitable for those with psychosis, severe health issues affecting participation, at high risk of suicide/self-injury, or in detention centers.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in a 10-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy group to support coping with race-related stress
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessments of self-efficacy, stigma, and transition readiness
Waitlist Control
Control group participants receive the intervention 3-4 months after the intervention group concludes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- ACT for Race Related Stress
Trial Overview
The study tests a 10-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group program designed to help Black adolescents cope with race-related stress. About 8-10 participants will join each group over the next year as part of their regular clinical care.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
This study will use a 10-session ACT protocol to support Black adolescents and young adults in coping with race related stress.
Waitlist control group that will receive the intervention 3-4 months after the intervention group concludes.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor
University of Southern California & Children's Hospital Los Angeles (USC-CHLA)
Collaborator
Citations
The Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for ...
Our results suggest that ACT is an effective intervention for reducing psychopathology and increasing ACT related processes, well-being and ...
A systematic review of inclusion of minoritized populations ...
ACT may be a potentially effective treatment for racial, sexual orientation and gender diverse people who experience unique stressors related to their ...
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adolescents and ...
This study will use a 10-session ACT protocol to support Black adolescents and young adults in coping with race related stress. Intervention/Treatment ...
4.
scholarworks.umb.edu
scholarworks.umb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1603&context=doctoral_dissertationsThe Effectiveness of a Mindfulness, Acceptance, Valued ...
Racism and racism-related stress has been shown to be associated with negative mental health outcomes among people of color (POC), such as increased depressive ...
The illusion of inclusion: contextual behavioral science ... - PMC
We describe how CBS has not done enough to address the needs of Black American communities, using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Functional ...
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for ...
The current study seeks to build on previous research that demonstrates the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in combating stigma by ...
7.
annualreviews.org
annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081122-020235?crawler=true&mimetype=application/pdfRacial Stress, Racial Trauma, and Evidence-Based ...
The results showed decreases in overall distress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms and provided preliminary support for the use of this ...
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