Substance Use and Mental Wellness

This research cluster emphasizes advancing empirical research on dual focuses including substance use patterns and mental wellness of people in society. Its strategic aims are developing innovative prevention and intervention strategies to expand understanding of youth substance use patterns and enhance mental wellbeing of adolescents and older adults. The cluster is pioneering in its use of expressive arts, mindfulnessbased relapse prevention, meaning-centered approach and faith-based treatment to substance addiction in Hong Kong. In response to the special needs in the COVID-19 pandemic and recent global technological developments, the cluster has also developed an online platform, which combines mindfulness and CBT interventions, providing counselling support for adolescents and older adults with depression and anxiety. Beneficiaries include over 3,000 students, parents and teachers, 2,000 individuals with drug abuse issues, and 3,000 other participants who have benefited from our online platform that targets mental health.

Selected Publications
Yeung, J. W. K., Lo, H. H. M., Fung, S.-F., Young, D. K. W., & Xia, L. (2026). Charting the Pathway to STEM: How Middle School Socialization and Science Growth Trajectories Predict Adult Career Success. Education Sciences, 16(1), Article 166
Yeung, J. W. K. (2025). Intergenerational Transaction of Emotional Health in Collective Family Context: Family Functioning, Parental and Children’s Gratitude, and Their Depression. Healthcare (Switzerland), 13(2), Article 147
Young, D. K., Carlbring, P., Ng, S., Cheng, Y. T. D., Ng, P. Y., Chen, J. Q., Tam, C. H. L., & Yeung, J. W. K. (2025). Brief-Guided Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for People with Emotional Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clinical Social Work Journal.
Young, D. K. W., Carlbring, P., & Li, B. K. K. (2025). Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Group for Left-behind Older Parents With Depression. Research on Social Work Practice.
Chan, A. Y. F., & Tam, H. (2024). Exploring Problematic Substance use Trajectory in Hong Kong: A Life Course Perspective. Journal of Drug Issues, 54(2), 167-184
Tam, H., Chan, A. Y., Fung, T. T., & Isangha, S. O. (2024). The mediating effect of psychological strengths and resilience on enhancing youth employability through social entrepreneurship education and training. Children and Youth Services Review, 156, Article 107325
Cheng, Y. T. D., Young, K. W. D., Carlbring, P., Ng, Y. N., & Hung, S. L. S. (2024). A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Among People Recovering from Mental Illness: A Tailored Mindfulness-Based Intervention versus Relaxation Training. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 21(3), 318-348

 

Signature Projects
Multicomponent Intervention with Healthy Lifestyle Psychoeducation and Cognitive Stimulation to Improve Cognitive Abilities in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment—A Double-blind Randomized Control Trial, General Research Fund, 2026 - on going, YOUNG, K.-W. (PI)
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Meaning-centered Approach in Relapse Prevention for Young Psychotropic Substance Abusers in Hong Kong: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Gerenal Research Fund, 2021 - 2024, TAM, H. L. C. (PI)