Couples Therapy for Domestic Violence
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if couples therapy can prevent mild to moderate situational couple violence from worsening or recurring. Researchers will study couples' reactions to therapy using surveys and emotional responses. The trial is open to heterosexual couples who have been together for at least a year, experience mild to moderate violence, and both wish to remain in the relationship. As an unphased trial, it offers couples the chance to contribute to important research that could enhance relationship dynamics and prevent future violence.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not require you to stop taking your current medications as long as you have been stable on them for the past 12 months and have not been hospitalized for psychiatric reasons in the past 2 years.
What prior data suggests that this therapy is safe for couples?
Research shows that couples therapy for addressing intimate partner violence is generally well-received. Studies have found that this therapy can safely help couples manage conflicts and prevent violence from escalating. No major reports of negative effects directly caused by the therapy have emerged, indicating that the treatment is considered safe for participants. However, each couple should discuss any concerns with the therapists to ensure the therapy suits their needs.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using couples therapy as a treatment for domestic violence because it takes a unique approach compared to traditional methods like individual therapy or crisis intervention. Unlike these standard options that typically address the needs of the individual, couples therapy focuses on improving communication and relationship dynamics between partners. This method provides a space for both individuals to work together on their issues, which could lead to more sustainable and long-term solutions. By addressing the root causes of conflict within the relationship itself, it offers a promising alternative that might prevent future instances of violence more effectively.
What evidence suggests that couples therapy could be effective in preventing situational couple violence?
Research has shown that couples therapy, tested in this trial, can assist those dealing with situational couple violence, characterized by less severe conflict and not ongoing abuse. Studies suggest that this therapy may prevent future violence by enhancing communication and understanding between partners. Some evidence indicates that couples in therapy argue less and develop better problem-solving skills. However, experts caution that therapy might not suit all couples, particularly those experiencing severe violence or control. Overall, couples therapy could be beneficial for those with milder relationship issues. Participants in this trial will receive couples therapy either immediately or after an 8-week waiting period as part of the control group.13567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Gunnur Karakurt, PhD
Principal Investigator
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This study is for heterosexual couples over 18 years old who have been in a relationship for at least one year and experience mild to moderate situational couple violence. Both partners must be willing to undergo therapy together, aiming to stay in the relationship. They should not have severe intimate partner violence or history of violent offenses, and they must be stable on any psychotropic medication for the past year.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Waiting Period
Control group undergoes an 8-week waiting period before starting therapy
Treatment
Couples receive therapy to prevent escalation and recurrence of situational couple violence
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in IPV and psychophysiological regulation
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Control
- Couples Therapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
Keming Gao
Lead Sponsor
National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS)
Collaborator
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)
Collaborator