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Enhancing Compassion, Help-seeking Intention and Mental Wellbeing of Emerging Adults with ACEs through a Compassion-based Intervention = 以關懷為基礎的心理干預對於提升曾有逆境童年經歷的年輕成年人的關懷心﹑求助意願和心理健康之成效研究
Principal Investigator
Department
Grant Awarding Body
Research Grants Council
Grant Type
Faculty Development Scheme
Project Code
UGC/FDS15/H13/25
Amount Awarded
HK$776,104
Funding Year
2025
Duration of the Project
33 months
Status
Ongoing
Abstract
Youth mental health is a growing concern globally and in Hong Kong. Emerging adulthood is a particularly vulnerable stage, and while psychosocial interventions exist, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) which is a key contributor to poor mental health, remain under-addressed in local research and practice. Individuals with ACEs often struggle with shame and self-criticism, which hinder help-seeking and intensify psychological distress. Compassion-based interventions (CBIs) have shown promise in reducing shame, increasing self-kindness, and improving mental health outcomes. However, most studies are Western-based and may lack cultural sensitivity for Chinese populations, where social-oriented values shape emotional expression and help-seeking. The roles of compassion for others and openness to receiving compassion also remain underexplored in this context.
This study aims to develop and evaluate a culturally adapted CBI for Chinese emerging adults with ACEs, guided by the Resilience Portfolio Model and compassion frameworks by Neff and Gilbert. It will be conducted in three phases: Phase 1 will focus on developing and adapting intervention materials; Phase 2 will involve a pilot study with 20–25 participants; and Phase 3 will implement a randomized controlled trial of an 8-week intervention with 126 participants, comparing the CBI group to a waitlist control. The programme will include six 2-hour group sessions and two practice sessions to enhance participants’ emotional awareness, compassion, and internal resources to address difficult emotions. Pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up assessments will be conducted using validated scales and interviews to examine the changes in participants’ levels of compassion, shame, resilience, mental help seeking attitude and intention, as well as mental health indicators.
By generating evidence on the impact of CBI in addressing the psychological effects of ACEs, this study will contribute to the development of culturally responsive mental health practices. Findings will inform practice and contribute to a culturally adaptive framework for enhancing resilience and emotional well-being in young adults.
This study aims to develop and evaluate a culturally adapted CBI for Chinese emerging adults with ACEs, guided by the Resilience Portfolio Model and compassion frameworks by Neff and Gilbert. It will be conducted in three phases: Phase 1 will focus on developing and adapting intervention materials; Phase 2 will involve a pilot study with 20–25 participants; and Phase 3 will implement a randomized controlled trial of an 8-week intervention with 126 participants, comparing the CBI group to a waitlist control. The programme will include six 2-hour group sessions and two practice sessions to enhance participants’ emotional awareness, compassion, and internal resources to address difficult emotions. Pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up assessments will be conducted using validated scales and interviews to examine the changes in participants’ levels of compassion, shame, resilience, mental help seeking attitude and intention, as well as mental health indicators.
By generating evidence on the impact of CBI in addressing the psychological effects of ACEs, this study will contribute to the development of culturally responsive mental health practices. Findings will inform practice and contribute to a culturally adaptive framework for enhancing resilience and emotional well-being in young adults.