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Study on Reducing Health-Related Stigma

This study is testing two different approaches to help people cope with the negative feelings and thoughts (internalized health-related stigma) that can come from having certain health conditions. These conditions include obesity, skin diseases (like psoriasis), cancer, HIV, and diabetes. The study will compare a group counseling program called Healing HEARTS, which focuses on understanding and changing thoughts about stigma, with a general Peer Support group. The goal is to see which method is better at reducing internalized stigma and improving your quality of life. We are looking for 195 adults aged 18 or older living in the United States who have one of these conditions and experience high levels of internalized stigma.

Study design
This is a randomized controlled trial with 195 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Healing HEARTS counseling, general Peer Support, or a waitlist control group.
What's involved
You would participate in 16 group sessions over 26 weeks, either weekly or every other week, then monthly. You would also complete assessments at the beginning, week 12, and week 26.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for 26 weeks, with assessments at baseline, week 12, and week 26.

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NCT05561595

Transdiagnostic Intervention to Reduce Internalized Health-Related Stigma

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
University of Florida
~195 participants
Updated 2026-07-24 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Healing HEARTSPeer Support

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Internalized Health-Related Stigma Scale score at Week 12
Measured over Baseline to Week 12

Conditions

Obesity
Skin Disease
Cancer
HIV
Diabetes
Chronic Pain

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Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Florida1

Study leadership

  • Rebecca Pearl, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Florida

Who to contact

Rebecca Pearl, PhD
[email protected]
352-294-5405
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 18 years or older
Currently residing in the United States
At least one of the following stigmatized health conditions:
Obesity (or high body weight that negatively affects health)
Skin disease (including but not limited to psoriasis, eczema, or vitiligo)
Cancer (including but not limited to lung, breast, cervical, colorectal, gynecologic, prostate, or head and neck; including individuals in remission)
HIV
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Chronic pain
Reported internalization of health-related stigma, as determined by a pre-specified cutoff score on internalized stigma measure and confirmed by interview
No reported internalization of health-related stigma and/or score below pre-specified cutoff on internalized stigma measure
Unwilling or unable to complete study procedures

Exclusion

Current or recent (e.g., past 3 months) receipt of psychotherapy or a psychosocial or peer support intervention (exceptions may be made if therapy or support is not focused on health conditions and is unlikely to affect internalized health-related stigma; e.g., family or marriage counseling, religious study groups, etc.)
Psychiatric hospitalization in the past 6 months
Recent (e.g., past 3 months, approximately) change in medications taken for psychiatric reasons
Current, active suicidal thoughts or suicide attempt within the past year
Current or past thought disorder or psychosis, or unmanaged bipolar disorder
Current alcohol/substance use disorder that requires immediate treatment

What this trial measures

  • Change in Internalized Health-Related Stigma Scale score at Week 12Baseline to Week 12

    Estimated mean change score for the total scale (primary outcome) and three subscales (Perceived and Anticipated Stigma, Stereotype Application and Self-Devaluation, and Stigma Resistance); scale scores are averaged and range from 1-7, with higher scores indicating greater internalized health-related stigma.