NCT04881084 Exploring Empathy and Compassion Using Digital Narratives
| NCT ID | NCT04881084 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | McGill University |
| Condition | Mental Disorders, Severe |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 80 participants |
| Start Date | 2024-04-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2024-09-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 80 participants in total. It began in 2024-04-01 with a primary completion date of 2024-09-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Stories of suffering and struggle are shared continuously through digital formats such as internet videos, news stories, social marketing, and fundraising campaigns. Digital stories are often created and shared to generate awareness about a problem, impart knowledge on contemporary issues, or promote compassion. The practice of sharing critical life events and insights provided by these experiences are valuable for tellers and the listeners alike for catharsis, healing, reconciliation, and connectiveness. Portrayals of mental suffering are a matter of cultural and social interest as new media products become available to the public. Studies published since the 1990s overwhelmingly conclude that formal media depictions are biased, promoting the stereotype that people who suffer emotionally are mentally ill, dangerous, violent, or insane. Various agencies, organizations, and corporations are actively working to provide alternative stories/narratives to mainstream media by means of video testimonials in social marketing and fundraising campaigns and, ultimately, by taking advantage of the Internet. The impact of this work is under-researched. However, preliminary evaluations of social marketing campaigns report mixed results and raise questions about their effectiveness. As well, the first-person narrative prepared digitally and shared online is also providing alternative narratives to mainstream media stories. People are increasingly using digital videos to share their stories, viewing this as an opportunity to understand their emotions and thoughts, come to terms with disgrace around sensitive, personal issues and marginalization while providing hope and encouragement to others. This proposed study focuses on the process of creating digital narratives/stories, especially stories of mental and emotional suffering, and their impact in terms of inciting empathy, compassion, and good citizenship among viewers.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-35 years of age * Not currently admitted to a hospital Exclusion Criteria: * Not in age range (18-35 years of age) * Currently admitted to a hospital * Attended the digital storytelling workshop and made a digital story used in the RCT
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT04881084 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 35 Years, studying Mental Disorders, Severe. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT04881084 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT04881084 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at manuela.ferrari@mcgill.ca for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT04881084 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Montreal, Canada.
Who is sponsoring the NCT04881084 clinical trial?
NCT04881084 is sponsored by McGill University. The trial plans to enroll 80 participants.