Actively Recruiting
Reducing Pre-Death Grief, Burden, and Stress in Informal Caregivers: Group and Individual Therapy Approaches to Support Mental Health
Led by Texas Tech University · Updated on 2026-02-12
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to assess whether specific evidence-based therapies can reduce pre-death grief, burden, and stress experienced by informal caregivers of people with dementia. The study focuses on informal caregivers such as family members or close friends who support individuals with dementia. It evaluates two types of therapy approaches to understand their effects on caregiver mental health. Participants receive one of two individual behavioral therapies: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), which combines cognitive therapy with mindfulness meditation to address mood disorders, or Behavior Activation, which aims to increase positive behaviors to influence emotions and thoughts. Both therapies last from 12 to 16 weeks. Additionally, the study examines a modified group therapy based on similar principles. During the study, caregiver participants will be evaluated over an average of six months. Researchers will use assessments such as the Prolonged Grief Scale-12 to measure pre-death grief, the Zarit Burden Inventory to assess caregiver burden, and the Perceived Stress Scale to evaluate stress levels. These measures will be tracked throughout the study to monitor changes related to the therapies provided.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Improving Mental Health for Care Partners of Persons With AD/ADRD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participants must be informal caregivers (e.g., spouse; child; close friend) of individuals with dementia
- Informal caregivers can be family members or close friends
- Adults aged 18 to 89 who read, write, and speak English
- Have a mental health diagnosis such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder
You will not qualify if you...
- Paid professional caregivers are not eligible
- Informal caregivers with cognitive impairment identified during assessment are excluded
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 to 16 weeks
Participants receive individual behavioral therapy lasting 12 to 16 weeks to support mental health.
Weekly visits for up to 16 weeks
Duration - Up to 6 months
Participants are monitored for mental health outcomes after completing therapy.
Monthly visits for up to 6 months
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas, United States, 79382
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Casside Street, Ph.D
K
Keith Jones, Ph.D
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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