Psychodrama Group Therapy for Breakup Distress and Relationship Adjustment: A Randomized Trial (NCT07658248) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Psychodrama Group Therapy for Breakup Distress and Relationship Adjustment: A Randomized Trial
Portugal42 participantsStarted 2025-09-23
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether a psychodrama group therapy intervention can reduce unresolved breakup distress and improve dyadic adjustment in adults currently involved in romantic relationships who have experienced a significant previous breakup.
The main questions this study aims to answer are:
* Does participation in psychodrama group therapy reduce breakup distress compared with a waiting-list control condition?
* Does participation in psychodrama group therapy improve dyadic adjustment and relationship functioning compared with a waiting-list control condition?
The researchers will compare participants receiving the psychodrama group therapy intervention with participants in a waiting-list control condition to determine whether the intervention leads to greater improvements in breakup distress, dyadic adjustment, psychological functioning, relationship quality, and sexual satisfaction.
Participants will:
* complete assessments at baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks;
* participate in a 15-session weekly psychodrama group therapy program (intervention group only);
* complete questionnaires assessing breakup distress, dyadic adjustment, psychological outcomes, relationship quality, and sexual satisfaction.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age 18 years or older;
* Currently involved in a romantic relationship for at least 6 months;
* History of at least one significant previous romantic relationship breakup;
* Presence of breakup distress related to a previous romantic breakup and/or difficulties in current dyadic adjustment;
* Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Presence of severe mental disorder that may interfere with participation in group psychotherapy;
* Severe active substance dependence;
* Current severe relational violence;
* Inability or unwillingness to provide written informed consent;
* Any clinical condition that, in the opinion of the research team, may compromise safe participation in the intervention.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.