Can a text message ease grief? UCLA tests digital support for bereaved students

NCT ID NCT07228260

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a text-based program called Help Texts can reduce grief and depression in college students who lost a loved one in the past year. About 126 UCLA students will either receive the texts twice a week for 12 months or get a list of grief resources. Researchers will track changes in grief severity, depression, and academic performance over a year.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: text-based grief support program (Help Texts)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to help grieving college students feel better and stay on track academically.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with 126 students at one university, so results may not apply to everyone. The program is a support tool, not a medical treatment, and may not help all types of grief.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BEREAVEMENT

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Franz Hall
RECRUITING

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

Contact Email: •••••@•••••

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