A Pilot Study to Examine the Efficacy of Internet-Delivered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (i-STAIR) for Individuals With Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subsyndromal Depression

Last updated: February 25, 2026
Sponsor: Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Depression

Emotional Processing

Treatment

Online general psychoeducation

Internet-Delivered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation

Clinical Study ID

NCT07118072
2024-3342
  • Ages 21-65
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The present study aims to pilot internet-delivered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (i-STAIR) as a transdiagnostic emotion dysregulation intervention to prevent progression to depression in individuals with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and subsyndromal depression. The aims of the study are: (i) to examine the effectiveness of i-STAIR on emotion dysregulation, interpersonal skills, depressive and PTSD symptoms at post-intervention i.e. on completion of the intervention (8 weeks); (ii) to examine if gains were maintained at 3 month post- intervention follow-up.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Exposed to mild, moderate or severe adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

  • Screened positive for subsyndromal depression

  • Singapore citizens or permanent residents (PRs)

  • Aged 21 years to 65 years

  • Able to speak and understand English

  • Willing and able to undergo intervention and assessment online

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Currently diagnosed with any mental disorder diagnoses;

  • Experience cognitive impairment as determined by attending physician

  • Have received or currently receiving dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) due tosimilarities with i-STAIR

  • Female participants who are pregnant

Study Design

Total Participants: 150
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Online general psychoeducation
Phase:
Study Start date:
October 31, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
December 31, 2028

Study Description

Internet-delivered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (i-STAIR) will be an effective intervention for preventing depression among those with adverse childhood experiences and subsyndromal depression. In contrast to the control group (i.e., individuals who received online general psychoeducation), we hypothesize that participants who receive i-STAIR will experience a significant reduction of depressive/PTSD symptoms and emotion dysregulation, as well as experience significant positive increases in interpersonal skills and perceptions of social support at post-intervention.

Connect with a study center

  • Institute of Mental Health

    Singapore,
    Singapore

    Site Not Available

  • Institute of Mental Health

    Singapore 1880252,
    Singapore

    Active - Recruiting

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