Teens who do good deeds may feel better, study finds
NCT ID NCT05267132
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether teens who do kind things for others feel happier and more fulfilled. 119 adolescents aged 14-17 were asked to perform acts of kindness three times a week for four weeks, with some also reflecting on their actions. Researchers measured mood and well-being before and after the program to see if kindness boosts mental health.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- acts of kindness with reflection
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, free way to help teens feel happier and more connected.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study with 119 teens, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect may be small or temporary.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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119 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2023
- Finished
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Jun 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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14 to 17 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 14-17 Exclusion Criteria: * None
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Adolescent Development Lab
Los Angeles, California, 90066, United States
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