Clinical Research Directory

Inflammatory Pathways Modulated by Prenatal Mindfulness: A Route to Improve Maternal Child Emotional Well Being and Whole Person Health

The goal of this study is to investigate inflammation as the biological mechanism by which mindfulness based cognitive therapy for perinatal depression (MBCT-PD) administered during pregnancy improves women's emotional well-being and whole person health index during pregnancy and the early postpartum period. Secondarily the investigative team will determine if MBCT-PD administered during pregnancy improves the physical health and emotional well-being of the developing child.

Feasibility of a Mind-Body Intervention for Optimism

This pilot study tests whether three brief mind-body activities can be delivered remotely to midlife adults, and whether they show early signs of improving cardiovascular health, emotional well-being, and stress. The activities are an emotional well-being writing exercise, two minutes of chair-assisted squats, and five minutes of slow-paced breathing. Insufficiently active adults aged 40 to 65 years are randomly assigned to one of eight groups. The groups cover every combination of the three activities, including one group that receives none. Participants complete their assigned activities in live Zoom sessions with a research assistant on five weekdays per week for four weeks (20 sessions). Blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, a small blood sample, and questionnaires on emotional well-being and stress are collected at in-person visits before and after the four weeks. Participants also rate how they feel immediately before and during each activity.

Psychological Interventions for Multiple Sclerosis: Effects on Anxiety, Depression, and Cognition.

This study evaluated the efficacy of two structured psychological interventions in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The main objective was to evaluate whether Group-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychophysiological Regulation Therapy (PRT) improved emotional well-being and objective cognitive functioning compared with Standard Care (SC). A total of 153 individuals with RRMS were assessed for eligibility, of whom 148 were randomized to one of three study conditions: Group-Based CBT, PRT, or SC (waiting-list control). Participants were allocated using a simple computer-generated randomization sequence with a 1:1:1 allocation ratio. Both active interventions were delivered in small groups over 12 weekly sessions. CBT and PRT shared a common therapeutic framework comprising psychoeducation, mindfulness, psychophysiological regulation strategies, and homework assignments. The CBT condition additionally incorporated specific cognitive-behavioral components during sessions 4-10. Assessments were conducted at baseline and immediately after completion of the 12-week intervention period using standardized psychological and neuropsychological measures. The study evaluated treatment effects across complementary domains of emotional functioning and objective cognitive performance.

HENKA: Growing in Emotional Well-being

HENKA is a universal, whole-community, school-based program that aims to promote emotional well-being and prevent mental health problems among adolescents enrolled in 1st to 3rd year of Secondary Education (ESO) in Catalonia, Spain (approximately 12 to 16 years old), through the development of resilience. The programme's name takes its origin from the Japanese term Henka, meaning a positive and transformative change, reflecting its focus on fostering sustainable improvements in adolescents' socioemotional functioning.The program targets adolescents, their families and school professionals. Its effectiveness is being evaluated through a non-randomized, two-arm, cluster-controlled quantitative phase (intervention schools compared to control schools), combined with a qualitative phase using focus groups. The study builds on the HENKA Pilot study (Ethics Committee code PIC-85-22), which assessed the feasibility of the evaluation process, including the validity of the assessment instruments and participants' viability and acceptability, before scaling up the program to a larger population.

A Multi-Dimensional Comparative Study of Exercise Psychological Experience Under AI Fitness Companion and Human Coach Paradigms

This study conducted a comparative analysis of subjective exercise experiences between an AI-based fitness companion and traditional human coaching among 98 university students participating in a standardized 20-minute functional circuit training session. Participants were evaluated across three psychological dimensions: Emotional Resonance (ER), Interactive Dynamics (InD), and Embodied Presence (EP). The results indicated that human coaching elicited significantly higher levels of Emotional Resonance, whereas AI-based companions demonstrated superior performance in Interactive Dynamics. No significant differences were observed in Embodied Presence, suggesting that contemporary AI systems can provide spatial immersion and body-awareness comparable to human coaches. These findings indicate that AI and human coaches offer distinct psychological strengths, suggesting that AI should be viewed as a complementary, scalable tool for exercise guidance rather than a direct replacement for human emotional support.

Psychological Impacts of Exercise Snacks Versus Traditional Exercise: A Comparative Study

This study investigates the comparative psychological impacts of a high-frequency "Exercise Snacks" (ESG) protocol versus a traditional continuous exercise (TEG) regimen on healthy young adults. Utilizing a randomized controlled trial design over a 4-week longitudinal period, 180 participants were allocated into two groups of 90, with a standby recruitment protocol employed to ensure sample size stability. The intervention was standardized to equate total weekly exercise volume at 90 minutes. The TEG cohort performed 30-minute continuous cycling sessions three times per week, whereas the ESG cohort executed 15-minute distributed cycling sessions six times per week. To ensure physiological homogeneity and precision in workload prescription, individual baseline maximal aerobic capacity was assessed via incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Based on these individual thresholds, exercise intensity for both cohorts was rigorously maintained at 40% of their respective maximal aerobic capacity throughout the intervention. Psychometric outcomes were evaluated within 24 hours of the intervention's conclusion, focusing on three dimensions: Perceived Stress, Decision Fatigue and Cognitive Load, and Physical Activity Enjoyment. By applying Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory, and Self-Determination Theory, this research examines how fragmented exercise protocols interact with daily workflow and self-regulatory resources. The findings provide critical insights into the real-world viability, behavioral resistance, and psychological divergence associated with high-frequency, fragmented exercise routines compared to conventional models.

Robotic Dog Intervention on Emotional Well-Being and Quality of Life

The hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) process imposes a substantial psychological burden, leading to impaired emotional well-being due to intensive treatment, isolation, and immunosuppression. Patients often experience social withdrawal, loneliness, and loss of control, which may result in persistent anxiety, depressive symptoms, and reduced quality of life (QoL) if unaddressed. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of an AI-powered robotic dog in improving emotional well-being and QoL in pediatric patients undergoing HSCT.

Enhancing Health-related Quality of Life, Emotional Well-being and Reducing Anxiety: Integrated Psychoeducational Nursing Interventions in Patients Undergoing Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy

Background: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) remains a highly effective intervention for severe psychiatric disorders yet concerns about cognitive and emotional side effects persist. Integrated psychoeducational psychiatric nursing intervention plays a pivotal role in mitigating these challenges, promoting patient safety, and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. So, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated psychoeducational psychiatric nursing intervention on health-related quality of life, emotional well-being and anxiety in patients receiving modified electroconvulsive therapy. Subjects and method: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized from January 2026 to April 2026. Setting: The study was conducted at two psychiatric inpatient hospitals in shebin elkom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Subjects: A purposive sample of sixty patients was selected from the previously mentioned setting. Tools of data collection: Four valid tools were used in data collection: tool 1: A structured interview questionnaire to assess socio-demographic characteristics of the studied subjects, tool 2: The Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) that measures the health-related quality of life of patients with various diseases, tool 3: The Emotional Well-Being Scale (EWBS) is a psychological assessment tool developed to evaluate individual emotional experiences and their overall affective well-being, tool 4: Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to measure the severity of anxiety symptoms in adults and adolescents. Data was analyzed at two points: pre- and post-intervention. . Recommendations: Integrate psychoeducational psychiatric nursing intervention as a standard component of care for patients undergoing Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) to enhance cognitive outcomes and emotional well-being.

Mandala Activity for Anxiety and Emotional and Psychological Well-Being in Adolescents With Siblings With Special Needs

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether a structured mandala activity program can reduce anxiety and improve emotional and psychological well-being in adolescents who have a sibling with special needs. Adolescents in this group may experience emotional difficulties because of the demands and challenges associated with having a sibling who requires special care and support. However, supportive and accessible interventions for these adolescents are limited. In this study, eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will participate in a structured mandala activity program, while the control group will not receive this program during the study period. Anxiety and emotional and psychological well-being will be assessed before and after the intervention using standardized measurement tools. The main question of this study is whether participation in the mandala activity program leads to better mental well-being outcomes compared with the control group. The findings may help determine whether mandala-based activities can be used as a simple, supportive, and non-pharmacological approach for adolescents who have a sibling with special needs.

EFT and Resilience in Nursing Students

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) application on stress, anxiety, and sleep quality in nursing students. The nursing education process can cause high levels of psychological and physiological stress in students due to many factors such as a heavy theoretical knowledge load, clinical practice stress, exam anxiety, and shift work. This situation results in increased anxiety and impaired sleep quality, thereby negatively affecting students' academic performance, clinical skills, and overall well-being. In this context, the study aims to evaluate whether EFT, as a complementary method, is effective in reducing stress and anxiety levels in nursing students, as well as improving sleep quality. It is believed that the results of this research will contribute to the development of alternative approaches that support psychological well-being in nursing education and will provide evidence-based data on the integration of EFT into educational programs.

Evaluation of a Dietary Supplement Containing Melissa Officinalis Formulated in Phospholipids on Mood Well-being and Cortisol Modulation

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study designed to evaluate the effect of an oral nutritional supplement containing Melissa officinalis formulated in phospholipids on mood and cortisol levels in healthy adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the active supplement or a placebo daily for 3 weeks. The primary outcome measures include changes in mood well-being, perceived stress, and salivary cortisol levels. The study aims to assess both efficacy and safety of the supplement in modulating stress response and emotional balance.

Art Therapy for Enhancing Well-Being in Solitary Older Adults

This study explores the impact of art therapy on mental health and quality of life among solitary older adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an experimental group receiving art therapy sessions or a control group with no intervention. The art therapy program includes 12 weekly sessions lasting 90 minutes each, focusing on creative expression, observation of art, and reflective discussions. These activities are designed to enhance emotional well-being, reduce depressive symptoms, and foster interpersonal connections. Both groups will undergo evaluations before and after the 12-week study period. The assessments will include the Taiwanese version of the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to measure changes in psychological health and life satisfaction. The findings aim to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of art therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention for improving the well-being of solitary older adults.