Clinical Innovation and Resilience

Clinical and health psychologists in our department have been conducting cutting-edge research projects on adjustment to life-threatening illnesses (e.g., cancer, coronary heart disease, HIV), traumas (e.g., SARS and COVID-19 pandemics, natural disasters), losses (e.g., grief), acculturation (e.g., migration), and challenges (e.g., aging, correctional services). Focusing on clinical innovation and resilience, we have generated new knowledge in this field by designing and validating assessment tools, examining promotive and protective factors, investigating psychosocial and physiological mechanisms, and studying the resilience and transformation processes. Moreover, we have developed intervention and therapeutic programs to promote adaptive psychological functioning and enhance resilience among various populations. The ultimate goal of their research is to arrive at a better understanding of the complexity of how risk and resilience factors are translated into mental health outcomes. These research findings have contributed to healthcare and social service development for better life and wellbeing. 

Selected Publications
Hou, J., Falconier, M. K., Cheung M. W. L., Tam W. W. S., Fu, R., Bu, H., & Yu, N. X. (2025). Dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction among couples with a chronic illness: A meta-analytical actor–partner interdependence model. Clinical Psychology Review, 119, 102587
Leung, C. L. K., Li, K. K., In Wei, W., Tam, W., McNeil, E. B., Tang, A., Wong, S. Y. S., & Kwok, K. O. (2024). Temporal variations of vaccine hesitancy amid the COVID-19 outbreaks in Hong Kong. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 16(1), 216-234
Wong, M. L., Nagata, J. M., & Barreto, M. (2024). Sleep and socioemotional outcomes among sexual and gender minority adolescents: A longitudinal study. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 53(7), 2851
Tepman, A., & Wong, M. L. (2024). The role of victimisation and sleep quality in self-harm and depression among sexual minority adolescents. A prospective cohort study. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 33, 3993–4002
Hou, J., Chen, T., & Yu, N. X. (2024). The longitudinal dyadic association between social participation and cognitive function in older Chinese couples. The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 79(6), gbae045
Yan, Y., Li, J., Liu, X., Li, Q., & Yu, N. X. (2024). Identifying Reddit users at a high risk of suicide and their linguistic features during the COVID-19 pandemic: A growth-based trajectory model. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 26, e48907
Hu, J., Bu, H., Liu, I. K. F., & Yu, N. X. (2024). A randomized controlled trial of two parent–child parallel interventions to enhance positive adaptation of immigrant families in Hong Kong: The moderating role of depressive symptoms. Behavior Therapy, 55(5), 1026-1042