NCT07378254 · Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Finding Emotional Empowerment and Lifelong Strength
(FEELS)
What this study is about
This study will build a partnership with a Community Advisory Board to co-produce, and then pilot test, a theory-guided mental health literacy intervention focused on trauma and substance use. Participants will take part in educational group sessions for 12 weeks and complete assessments at baseline and two follow-up time points (mid-intervention and post-intervention).
View original scientific description
This study will build a partnership with a Community Advisory Board to co-produce, and then pilot test, a theory-guided mental health literacy intervention focused on trauma and substance use. Participants will take part in educational group sessions for 12 weeks and complete assessments at baseline and two follow-up time points (mid-intervention and post-intervention). Intervention participants will be randomly invited to post-study focus groups to gather feedback on their experiences in the program.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Finding Emotional Empowerment and Lifelong Strength
A group-based, 12-week educational intervention to help promote mental health literacy and related beliefs, especially related to trauma and substance use.
Primary outcome measures
Change in scores on the Multicomponent Mental Health Literacy Measure (MMHLM)
Time frame: 3-months
Assesses knowledge and beliefs about mental health disorders, including symptoms, causes, prevention and treatment strategies. Total scores range from 22 to 110, with higher scores indicating greater MHL.
Change in scores on the Short Attitudes Towards Mental Health Problems Scale (SATMHPS)
Time frame: 3-months
Measures personal, family, and community attitudes and stigma related to mental health challenges. Mean scores for subscales range from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating more negative attitudes.
Change in scores on the Mental Help Seeking Intention Scale (MHSIS)
Time frame: 3-months
Measures intentions to seek help from a mental health professional in the event of a mental health concern. Mean scores range from from 1 to 7, with higher scores indicating stronger intentions.
Change in scores on the Self-Efficacy in Seeking Mental Health Care (SE-SMHC)
Time frame: 3-months
Assesses perceived ability to seek professional mental health care. Total scores range from 9 to 90, while subscale scores range from 5 to 50 (SE-KNOW) and 4 to 40 (SE-COPE).
Participant engagement as assessed by rates of participant recruitment and proportion of eligible participants who are enrolled in the study
Time frame: 3-months
Participant satisfaction at mid- and post-intervention (quantitative)
Time frame: 3-months
Mean scores (ranging from 1 to 5) on ten Likert items assessing length of the program, pace of learning and discussing material, group format, meeting time and location, group facilitator, and program materials (i.e., amount of information given, clarity of the information given, ability to understand information, ability to apply material in real life). One additional item will ask how participants would rate the helpfulness of the FEELS intervention (1 = very unhelpful to 5 = very helpful).
Participant satisfaction at post-intervention (qualitative)
Time frame: 3-months
Three survey questions will ask participants for feedback on the intervention (facilitators for participation, topics to include in the future, and suggestions for improvement). Post-intervention focus groups will also elicit qualitative appraisals (on intervention length, pace, and modality; ease of reading, understanding, and applying the content; and suggestions for improvement) from a smaller group of intervention participants.
Participant retention and attendance at sessions
Time frame: 3-months
Mean number of intervention sessions attended per participant and proportion of participants who complete the full intervention
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Self-identify as Black or African American
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35 years old
- Endorse previous lifetime trauma exposure
- Participants must speak English
- Participants are capable of giving informed consent and capable of complying with study procedures.
Where
- Piscataway, New Jersey
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations