Writing therapy for teens with complex trauma stress

Plain-English translation of NCT07325734 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated September 2026 · Translation generated September 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a new approach called Guided Written Exposure Therapy (GWE-C) to help teenagers who have experienced complex trauma and are struggling with post-traumatic stress. In this group-based treatment, teens write about their experiences in a guided, structured way over 7 to 10 sessions. The study will compare how well this writing therapy works compared to supportive therapy, a gentler form of group counseling.

Many teens who have experienced complex trauma don't recover well with current treatments. Researchers want to see if this new writing-based therapy can help more teenagers heal from post-traumatic stress and feel better.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 10 and 18 years old
you have been diagnosed with or have symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder
you can read, write, and communicate well enough to participate in writing activities
you understand what the study involves and are willing to complete the assessments
you and your parent or guardian both agree in writing to participate

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a serious mental health condition like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder that would make it hard to participate
you have a serious physical illness that would prevent you from joining the group sessions
you are at high risk of suicide or have tried to harm yourself recently
you are still being exposed to traumatic events or abuse
you are already receiving another trauma-focused therapy or counseling

What participation looks like

If you join this study, you'll be randomly assigned to either the writing therapy group or a supportive therapy group. You'll attend 7 to 10 group sessions with other teens and a therapist. Your symptoms will be measured before the therapy starts, right after it ends, and again at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups using a questionnaire. The whole study takes a few months from start to finish.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Sep 17, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(4 sites)

China

Changchun middle school, Fuyang, Anhui

Peking University, Beijing, Beijing Municipality

Ulanhot No. 1 High School, Ulanhot, Inner Mongolia

Urumqi No. 74 Middle School, Ürümqi, Xinjiang