Can a 2.5-Hour writing exercise boost body image and reduce stress in gay men?
NCT ID NCT07369661
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 01, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This pilot study will test whether a brief self-compassion writing intervention can help gay men in Hong Kong improve body image, reduce minority stress, and increase sexual self-efficacy. Twenty participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group (a 2.5-hour training plus three weeks of writing exercises) or a waiting list. The study focuses on feasibility and early signs of effectiveness.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- brief self-compassion writing intervention
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to help gay men feel better about their bodies and cope with minority stress.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention is brief and may not produce lasting changes.
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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20 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2026
- Finished
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Aug 2026
- 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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18 years and older
- Sex
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Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: * aged 18 years or above * self-identified as a gay man * sufficient comprehension of Cantonese * currently living in Hong Kong * able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * currently experiencing psychosis * having an intellectual disability * experiencing current suicidal ideation * not currently receiving or engaging in regular mental health services in the last 3 months * participation in a similar study or receiving similar services in the past 12 months
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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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Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong