AI-Integrated Emotional Granularity Training for Resilience and Quality of Life in Colorectal Cancer Survivors

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Emotional granularity training: The 4-week Emotional Granularity Growth intervention (AI-EGG) will be delivered via a structured mobile-based digital platform based on emotional granularity theory and Gross's Extended Process Model of Emotion Regulation. The intervention includes four modules: (1) emotional identification and labeling, (2) emotional differentiation training, (3) emotion regulation strategy selection, and (4) implementation and reflective adaptation. Each session follows a cycle of emotional diary recording, labeling, feedback on emotional differentiation, and practice of regulation strategies. Participants are encouraged to complete at least two sessions per week. Predefined emotional categories and structured vocabulary support consistent labeling. Culturally adapted scenarios for young and middle-aged CRC survivors are included. Oncology nurses provide support, including clarification of emotional concepts, guidance on real-life application, and referral when needed

Routine Care: Routine psychological care will be provided by oncology nurses, along with standard educational materials on symptom management and basic emotional coping strategies consistent with clinical guidelines. Participants will also complete the online questionnaires for outcome assessment.

Study summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate an AI-integrated Emotional Granularity Growth intervention (AI-EGG) designed to enhance resilience and improve quality of life in young and middle-aged colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. Emotional granularity refers to the ability to clearly identify and differentiate subtle emotional experiences, which may help individuals regulate emotions more effectively and build resilience after cancer treatment.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Does the AI-EGG intervention improve resilience in CRC survivors compared with routine psychological care?
* Does the intervention improve emotional granularity, emotion regulation ability, and quality of life?
* Is the AI-EGG intervention feasible and acceptable for young and middle-aged CRC survivors?

Researchers will compare the AI-EGG intervention group to a control group receiving routine psychological care and standard educational materials to see whether the intervention leads to better psychological outcomes.

Participants will:

* Complete baseline assessments measuring emotional granularity, emotion regulation, resilience, and quality of life
* Be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group
* In the intervention group, engage in a 4-week AI chatbot-based program focusing on emotional identification, differentiation, regulation, and reflective practice (at least two sessions per week)
* In the control group, receive routine psychological care and standard educational materials
* Complete post-intervention assessments immediately after the 4-week program and again at a 1-month follow-up
* Some participants in the intervention group will be invited to complete interviews about their experience of the program

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Recruitment Rate — During the recruitment period, up to 1 months
  Recruitment rate will be defined as the proportion of eligible participants who consent to participate in the study.
• Retention Rate — Immediately post-intervention at 4 weeks
  Retention rate will be defined as the proportion of enrolled participants who complete follow-up assessments at T1
• Adherence to the AI-Integrated Emotional Granularity Growth (AI-EGG) Program — Immediately post-intervention at 4 weeks
  Adherence will be defined as the proportion of retained participants who complete all core intervention modules and at least 70% of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) entries during the intervention period.
• Feasibility of Outcome Assessment — Immediately post-intervention at 4 weeks and 1-month post-intervention follow-up
  Feasibility of outcome assessment will be evaluated based on the proportion of retained participants who successfully complete all required outcome assessments and follow-up interviews at T1 and T2.
• Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) Completion Rate — During the 4-week intervention period
  EMA completion rate will be assessed as the proportion of completed EMA entries relative to the total number of expected EMA prompts during the intervention period.
• System Usability as Measured by the System Usability Scale (SUS) — Immediately post-intervention at 4 weeks
  The System Usability Scale (SUS) is a 10-item questionnaire assessing perceived usability of the intervention platform. Total scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better usability.

Trial sites (3)

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