Purpose

The goal of this study is to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing outcomes between two programs to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV)- the Strength at Home (SAH) program and a standard, state-approved IPV intervention program, Treatment as Usual (TAU). Primary outcomes will include self- and partner-reported physical and psychological IPV. Secondary outcomes will include self-reported PTSD symptoms, alexithymia, alcohol use problems, and treatment satisfaction, assessed across five time points.

Conditions

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 18 Years
Eligible Genders
Male
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • Men court-mandated to IPV intervention from the Rhode Island Department of Parole and Probation and their partners

Exclusion Criteria

  • None

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel Assignment
Intervention Model Description
A mixed-methods approach will be used for this single site, parallel group RCT. Participants will be randomized at the individual level to Strength at Home (SAH) or Treatment as Usual (TAU), with a 1:1 allocation ratio.
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Strength at Home (SAH)
SAH isa trauma-informed 12-week intimate partner violence (IPV) intervention program.
  • Behavioral: SAH
    SAH is a group trauma informed intervention that uses motivational strategies and self-monitoring of one's thoughts and responses. It provides a unique fusion of interventions for trauma and IPV and consists of 12 two-hour weekly sessions. Throughout the program, group members complete in-session practice exercises and are provided "practice assignments" to consolidate and apply information learned in group.
Active Comparator
Treatment as Usual (TAU)
TAU is a 20-week state-approved IPV intervention program.
  • Behavioral: TAU
    TAU is a court mandated 20 week, psychoeducational/directed program that emphasizes the sharing of power and control in relationships and personal accountability. Topics also focus on equality wheels, substance abuse impacts, culture and socialization impact on gender roles, defense mechanisms versus coping skills, triggers for stress and anger, and healthy versus unhealthy communication.

Recruiting Locations

CABU School of Medicine, Psychiatry
Boston, Massachusetts 02118
Contact:
Casey T Taft, PhD
857-364-4344
taft@bu.edu

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Boston University

Study Contact

Casey T Taft, PhD
857 364 4344
taft@bu.edu

Detailed Description

A mixed-methods approach will be used for this single site, parallel group RCT. All participants will be randomized at the individual level to Strength at Home (SAH) or Treatment as Usual (TAU), with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Assessments will occur pre-treatment and post-treatment with follow-up assessments scheduled every three months post-treatment through month 12. Assessments have been designed to examine reductions in IPV and other outcomes including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and alcohol use. The primary hypotheses are that those receiving SAH will evidence greater reductions in physical and psychological IPV, symptoms of PTSD, alexithymia, and alcohol use problems, and higher treatment satisfaction relative to those receiving TAU across the time points. The specific aims and sub aims are: 1. Test the comparative effectiveness of SAH and TAU by conducting an RCT comparing 200 justice-involved men randomly assigned to each program. - Compare the frequency of physical and psychological IPV, the primary outcomes of interest, across conditions as reported by the male participants and their intimate partners across Time 1 (baseline) and four 3-month follow ups (Times 2-5). Additionally, at Time 5, the study may make use of available arrest record data from the state of Rhode Island. - Compare symptoms of PTSD, alexithymia, and alcohol use problems across conditions and assessment time points as reported by the male participants. - Compare treatment satisfaction across conditions as reported by the male participants across the four 3-month follow ups (Times 2-5). 2. Facilitate future use of SAH by working closely with the Stakeholder Advisory Board to identify potential barriers and facilitators to successful implementation in civilian community settings. - Identify barriers and facilitators to implementation. - Assess the acceptability of SAH among stakeholders in the community setting and areas in need of refinement.

Notice

Study information shown on this site is derived from ClinicalTrials.gov (a public registry operated by the National Institutes of Health). The listing of studies provided is not certain to be all studies for which you might be eligible. Furthermore, study eligibility requirements can be difficult to understand and may change over time, so it is wise to speak with your medical care provider and individual research study teams when making decisions related to participation.