Feasibility and Acceptability of Videoconference-Based Family Psychoeducation for Young Adult Caregivers of Family Members With Major Depressive Disorder: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Young adult caregivers of a family member with major depressive disorder (MDD) constitute a vulnerable population. They have substantial support needs because they often experience psychological distress and daily burdens during a developmental period in which education, partnership formation, and parenting frequently overlap with caregiving responsibilities. Consequently, the burden associated with caring for a family member with MDD may adversely affect young adult caregivers' mental health and life stability. Despite these needs, support programs and intervention studies specifically targeting young adult caregivers remain scarce. Videoconference-based family psychoeducation (vFPE) may help address this gap, improving access for individuals facing time and geographic barriers. However, the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of vFPE in this population has not yet been established.