Group program to help young adults with severe mental illness build romantic relationships
Tests a 12-session group program for relationships in adults with severe mental illness.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Group Intervention for Romantic Relationships in Young Adults With Severe Mental Illness
Key facts
- Where
- Épinay-sur-Seine and Neuilly-sur-Marne, FranceSee the 2 sites
Where in France
- HDJ (Hôpital de Jour)Épinay-sur-Seine, FranceTaking people
- L'UNIRRE (Unité Référente de Réhabilitation)Neuilly-sur-Marne, FranceTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Centre hospitalier de Ville-Evrard, France
- Trial code
- NCT07316803
- Record updated
- 5 January 2026
- Original description
This study evaluates a group-based intervention designed to improve romantic and social relationship skills in adults living with a severe mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder.Read full original descriptionShow less
Study on the Effectiveness of a Group Intervention on Romantic Relationships in Young Adults With Severe Mental Illness
This study evaluates a group-based intervention designed to improve romantic and social relationship skills in adults living with a severe mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder.
Many adults with SMI experience loneliness, social isolation, and difficulties forming romantic relationships, even though most express a strong desire for intimacy. These challenges may be related to social skill difficulties, stigma, low self-esteem, and limited opportunities to develop healthy relationships.
The "À deux, c'est mieux" (Better Together) program is a structured 12-session group intervention focused on developing communication skills, emotional regulation, social understanding, and healthy romantic relationship behaviors. Sessions are led by trained mental health professionals and take place in small groups.
Participants will complete assessments before starting the program, at the end of the 12 sessions, and three months later. The study will examine changes in romantic relationship skills, quality of life, loneliness, self-esteem, self-stigma, and recovery.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether this intervention improves romantic and social functioning and overall well-being, and whether it is acceptable and relevant for adults living with severe mental illness.
Inclusion: Adults aged 18 years and older; Diagnosis of a severe mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder); Currently single; Motivated to improve romantic and social relationships and to pursue a romantic relationship; Received mental health care within the past two years; Able and willing to provide informed consent.
Exclusion: Currently receiving acute or crisis-level psychiatric care; Inability to speak or read French; Unable to comply with study procedures or group rules (e.g., maintaining sobriety during sessions).