PS Researchers Awarded HK$2.75 Million from the Health and Medical Research Fund to Advance Mental Health Innovation
The four awarded projects, all led by researchers from the Department of Psychology (PS) under the Faculty of Education and Human Development (FEHD), address pressing challenges in mental health and neurodevelopment across the lifespan, from autism and ADHD to adolescent depression and early psychosis, have secured over HK$2.75 million from the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) under the Research Council of HKSAR.
Dr Michael Yeung, Associate Professor, will lead the project titled Hybrid Computerized Executive Function and Social Cognition Training for Autistic Children and Their Parents: A Two-Arm, Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial with Six-Month Follow-Up. This study investigates the breadth and sustainability of a five-week home-based training programme that integrates progressive executive function and social cognition exercises for autistic children aged 8 to 12, alongside support for parents.
Dr Clive Wong, Research Assistant Professor, will lead the study Towards Precision Psychiatry: Building Transdiagnostic Prediction Model from Neurophysiological Pattern for ADHD Children. By identifying neural markers that predict cognitive functioning and treatment response, particularly to neurofeedback training, the project seeks to inform more targeted and individualised interventions beyond symptom-based approaches.
Dr Paul Chan, Assistant Professor, will lead Examining the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Horticultural Therapy on Reducing Mental Distress and Increasing Psychological Well-Being of Adolescents with Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial. This randomised controlled trial will compare mindfulness-based horticultural therapy, horticultural therapy and a psychoeducation programme among secondary school students with depressive symptoms in Hong Kong.
Dr Wong Ting Yat, Assistant Professor, will lead Psychosocial Factors Linked to Resilience to Stressors in First-Episode Psychosis: Towards a Resilience Calculator. Through longitudinal assessment and predictive modelling, the project aims to develop a clinically useful Resilience Calculator to inform personalised care and improve long-term recovery outcomes.
Professor Kevin Chan, Acting Dean of FEHD, said, “These awards reflect not only the excellence of our colleagues’ research, but also our Faculty’s vision to transform mental health care through innovation, interdisciplinarity and impact. By harnessing advances in psychological science, technology and data-driven approaches, we aim to move beyond traditional models of support towards more personalised, preventive and scalable solutions.”
Under the HMRF, funding is awarded to high-impact, evidence-based projects that promote healthier lifestyles and improve public health. This achievement highlights our Department's growing impact in mental health research and its commitment to improving lives through innovation and evidence-based practice.
|
Principal Applicants |
Project Title |
Approved Amount (HK$) |
|
Dr Michael Yeung |
Hybrid Computerized Executive Function and Social Cognition Training for Autistic Children and Their Parents: A Two-Arm, Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial with 6-Month Follow-Up |
$1,263,913 |
|
Dr Clive Wong |
Towards Precision Psychiatry: Building Transdiagnostic Prediction Model from Neurophysiological Pattern for ADHD Children |
$500,000 |
|
Dr Paul Chan |
Examining the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Horticultural Therapy on Reducing Mental Distress and Increasing Psychological Well-Being of Adolescents with Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial |
$499,056 |
|
Dr Wong Ting Yat |
Psychosocial Factors Linked to Resilience to Stressors in First-Episode Psychosis: Towards a Resilience Calculator |
$496,100 |
