Psychodrama Group Therapy for Breakup Distress and Relationship Adjustment: A Randomized Trial

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Breakup Distress, Dyadic Adjustment

In brief

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether a psychodrama group therapy intervention can reduce unresolved breakup distress and improve dyadic adjustment in adults currently involved in romantic relationships who have experienced a significant previous breakup. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does participation in psychodrama group therapy reduce breakup distress compared with a waiting-list control condition? * Does participation in psychodrama group therapy improve dyadic adjustment and relationship functioning compared with a waiting-list control condition? The researchers will compare participants receiving the psychodrama group therapy intervention with participants in a waiting-list control condition to determine whether the intervention leads to greater improvements in breakup distress, dyadic adjustment, psychological functioning, relationship quality, and sexual satisfaction. Participants will: * complete assessments at baseline, 16 weeks, and 42 weeks; * participate in a 15-session weekly psychodrama group therapy program (intervention group only); * complete questionnaires assessing breakup distress, dyadic adjustment, psychological outcomes, relationship quality, and sexual satisfaction.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07658248

Run by

Universidade do Porto

People needed

42

Starts

2025-09-23

Expected to finish

2027-05-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-06-18

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age 18 years or older;
• Currently involved in a romantic relationship for at least 6 months;
• History of at least one significant previous romantic relationship breakup;
• Presence of breakup distress related to a previous romantic breakup and/or difficulties in current dyadic adjustment;
• Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent.

You may not qualify if…

• Presence of severe mental disorder that may interfere with participation in group psychotherapy;
• Severe active substance dependence;
• Current severe relational violence;
• Inability or unwillingness to provide written informed consent;
• Any clinical condition that, in the opinion of the research team, may compromise safe participation in the intervention.

Where it is running

• Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at the University of Porto — Porto, Porto District, Portugal (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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