CompletedNot Applicable

A Brief Intervention

United States36 participantsStarted 2012-07

Plain-language summary

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) study is a small scale test of the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a brief motivational interview-style intervention. The intervention took place in the pediatric emergency departments by a trained interventionist and will followed an intervention algorithm developed by a team of dating abuse and brief intervention experts. The research design is as follows: the investigators will randomize youth ages 12-19 years old to one of two groups: one group who receives the intervention (N=\~18), and the other which does not (N=\~18). The investigators compared changes in outcomes from baseline to 1-month follow-up for those in both groups. The investigators looked at outcomes including dating abuse-related knowledge, attitudes about the use of violence to resolve conflict, and dating abuse behavior (perpetration and/or victimization). Statement of study hypothesis: Youth who receive the intervention will show improvements in dating abuse-related knowledge, attitudes and behavior that are maintained for 1 month, while those in the comparison group will show no similar change.

Who can participate

Age range

15 Years – 19 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * 15-19 years old * English-speaking * Have used at least one form of physical or sexual aggression against a dating or sexual partner in the past three months Exclusion Criteria: * Patient's reason for ED visit is an acute mental health problem (e.g., suicidal ideation or attempt, severe anxiety attack) * Patient is a prisoner * Patient is determined to be potentially lethal * Patient attends batterer intervention classes

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Dating abuse perpetration

Timeframe: 1 month

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01632176

SponsorBoston University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2013-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Dating Violence trials