SPARE Program for Teen Dating Abuse

(SPARE Trial)

Overseen By Elizabeth C Tampke, Ph.D.

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Rhode Island Hospital

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 13

Duration: 7 weeks

88 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new program called SPARE, designed to reduce aggression and prevent teen dating violence among preteens receiving intensive mental health services. The researchers aim to determine if SPARE improves behaviors and mental health outcomes compared to regular treatment. Participants will attend group therapy sessions as part of their daily routine and complete follow-up surveys. The trial seeks preteens aged 11-13 who are already part of a mental health program and can communicate in English. As an unphased trial, participants can contribute to innovative research that may shape future mental health programs for preteens.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that the SPARE program is safe for preteens?

Research has shown that programs like SPARE are generally safe and well-received. These programs aim to prevent teen dating violence and improve mental health in young people. Although specific safety data for SPARE is not yet available, similar programs have demonstrated positive results without major side effects. The program emphasizes teaching social skills, problem-solving, and emotion management through group activities, which typically carry very low risk. Since this trial is in the "Not Applicable" phase, SPARE is not a new drug or high-risk treatment but a behavioral program, which is usually very safe. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the SPARE program because it takes a fresh approach to tackling teen dating abuse by combining group therapy with the usual treatment methods. Unlike traditional therapies that might focus solely on individual counseling or education, SPARE integrates a collaborative group environment where participants can share experiences and learn from each other. This group dynamic is designed to build supportive peer networks and encourage open communication, which are key in addressing the complexities of dating abuse among teens. By leveraging the power of group therapy, SPARE aims to enhance the effectiveness of the usual care, potentially offering a more robust solution for teens facing these challenges.

What evidence suggests that the SPARE program is effective for reducing peer aggression and preventing teen dating violence?

Research has shown that programs like SPARE, which teach social skills and emotional management, can help reduce teen dating violence (TDV) and aggression. In this trial, one group of participants will receive the SPARE program along with treatment as usual, while another group will receive only the treatment as usual. One study found that similar programs significantly reduced both victimization and aggressive behavior among teens who had experienced domestic violence. Another study on a related program, Safe Dates, demonstrated decreases in physical and sexual dating violence. These early results suggest that SPARE could effectively teach preteens healthier relationship skills and reduce harmful behaviors. The program's focus on social and emotional skills offers a promising approach to preventing TDV. ^{3 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Elizabeth C Tampke, PhD

Principal Investigator

Rhode Island Hospital

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for preteens who are currently receiving intensive mental health services and struggle with peer aggression or have potential for teen dating violence. Participants must be able to attend group therapy sessions and complete questionnaires at the start, end, and follow-ups.

Inclusion Criteria

Enrolled in CP

Ability to write and speak in English

I am between 11 and 13 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Not applicable.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive SPARE intervention via group therapy incorporated into their daily programming at an intensive mental health program

7 weeks

10 sessions (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

9 months

3 visits (in-person) at 3-month and 9-month follow-ups

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• SPARE

Trial Overview The study tests if a program called SPARE (focusing on social skills, problem-solving, emotion regulation, and education about trauma) can reduce aggression among peers and prevent teen dating violence better than usual treatment alone.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention (SPARE) plus Treatment as Usual Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants assigned to this arm will receive SPARE in the form of group therapy in addition to treatment as usual at a child partial program.

Group II: Treatment As Usual Active Control 1 Intervention

Arm Description: Participants assigned to this arm will receive treatment as usual at a child partial program.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Rhode Island Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

275

Recruited

71,400+

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Collaborator

Trials

902

Recruited

25,020,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The Expect Respect support groups significantly improved healthy relationship skills among 144 at-risk middle and high school students, indicating the program's effectiveness in promoting positive relationship behaviors.

While overall levels of dating violence victimization and perpetration did not change for all participants, those with higher initial levels of victimization and perpetration showed a significant reduction by the end of the program.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Expect respect support groups: preliminary evaluation of a dating violence prevention program for at-risk youth. Ball, B., Tharp, AT., Noonan, RK., et al.[2014]

The adapted Safe Dates curriculum significantly improved responses to anger, reduced gender stereotyping, and increased awareness of resources related to teen dating violence among 41 pregnant and/or parenting teens who participated in the program.

The study suggests that this intervention may effectively change attitudes and behaviors related to dating violence, but further research with a larger sample and control groups is needed to confirm its efficacy in reducing teen dating violence incidents.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A feasibility study to assess the effectiveness of safe dates for teen mothers. Herrman, JW., Waterhouse, JK.[2016]

The Teen Choices program, a 3-session online intervention, significantly reduced the odds of emotional and physical dating violence among high-risk teens, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 0.45 to 0.63 at the 12-month follow-up.

Participants with a past-year history of dating violence experienced even greater benefits from the program, highlighting its effectiveness in addressing the needs of those most at risk.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Teen Dating Violence Prevention: Cluster-Randomized Trial of Teen Choices, an Online, Stage-Based Program for Healthy, Nonviolent Relationships. Levesque, DA., Johnson, JL., Welch, CA., et al.[2021]

Teen dating abuse is a serious public health issue that can lead to academic struggles, risky behaviors, and increased risk of injury or death among adolescents.

The Start Strong Austin initiative, a collaboration between Dell Children's Medical Center and SafePlace, aims to prevent dating abuse through education, community engagement, and policy change, equipping school nurses with the necessary skills to support affected teens.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Teen dating abuse: recognition and interventions. Freeman, SA., Rosenbluth, B., Cotton, L.[2017]

The Safe Dates program showed positive effects on reducing dating violence immediately after the program, but these behavioral effects diminished by the 1-year follow-up.

However, important mediating factors such as improved dating violence norms, conflict management skills, and awareness of community resources remained significant even after a year, suggesting these aspects may need reinforcement to maintain overall program effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Safe Dates program: 1-year follow-up results. Foshee, VA., Bauman, KE., Greene, WF., et al.[2022]

Teens primarily seek help for dating violence from friends, who are expected to provide emotional support, while family members are seen as more likely to take action, such as reporting the abuse.

Despite believing that adults can be more effective in stopping abuse, teens are hesitant to seek help from them due to concerns about confidentiality and potential over-reaction, suggesting a need for interventions that enhance trust and communication between teens and adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sources of Help for Dating Violence Victims: A Qualitative Inquiry Into the Perceptions of African American Teens. Madkour, AS., Swiatlo, A., Talan, A., et al.[2022]

The Families for Safe Dates program, a family-based teen dating abuse prevention initiative, significantly improved caregiver engagement factors such as perceived severity of dating abuse and communication skills with teens, based on a study involving 324 families over a 3-month period.

The program was also associated with a reduction in physical dating abuse victimization among teens, indicating its potential effectiveness in preventing dating abuse behaviors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessing the effects of Families for Safe Dates, a family-based teen dating abuse prevention program. Foshee, VA., McNaughton Reyes, HL., Ennett, ST., et al.[2022]

The Safe Dates Project demonstrated significant reductions in psychological, moderate physical, and sexual dating violence perpetration and victimization among adolescents over four follow-up periods, indicating its effectiveness as a school-based prevention program.

The program's success was consistent across genders and racial groups, and it was linked to changes in dating violence norms and increased awareness of community services, suggesting that these factors play a crucial role in its efficacy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessing the effects of the dating violence prevention program "safe dates" using random coefficient regression modeling. Foshee, VA., Bauman, KE., Ennett, ST., et al.[2022]

The study outlines 9 principles of effective prevention programs for intimate partner violence (IPV) among adolescents, emphasizing their importance in developing successful interventions.

The Safe Dates program is highlighted as a model that successfully incorporates all 9 principles, but its effectiveness may vary across different contexts and diverse groups, suggesting the need for tailored approaches in IPV prevention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promising practices in the prevention of intimate partner violence among adolescents. De Grace, A., Clarke, A.[2019]

A one-session motivational interview-style intervention called Real Talk was tested on 172 youth aged 15-19 to reduce dating abuse (DA) perpetration, showing significant reductions in cyber DA and psychological DA at 3 months, particularly among males.

While the intervention did not show overall effects for all types of DA, it demonstrated promising results for reducing cyber DA (RR 0.49) and psychological DA (RR 0.24) in the short term, suggesting it could be an effective approach in health care settings to address dating abuse among adolescents.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effects of a Health Care-Based Brief Intervention on Dating Abuse Perpetration: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Rothman, EF., Stuart, GL., Heeren, T., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. nyc.gov nyc.gov/assets/ocdv/downloads/pdf/EarlyRAPPReport_COVER-2024.pdf

Early Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (Early RAPP) This report summarizes the effectiveness of the Early Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (Early. RAPP) in teaching middle school students about healthy ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6915751/

Preventing adolescent dating violence: An outcomes ... Adolescent dating violence (ADV) is a pressing public health problem in North America. Strategies to prevent perpetration are needed, and a substantial body ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359178923000800

Dating violence prevention programs for at-risk adolescents Study 17 reported a significant reduction in both victimization and perpetration of threatening behaviors in adolescents who had been exposed to domestic ...

4. apa.org apa.org/monitor/2023/10/disrupting-teen-dating-violence

Up to 19% of teens experience dating violence. ... Up to 19% of teens experience sexual or physical dating violence, about half face stalking or harassment, and as many as 65% report being psychologically ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/260558048_The_Effects_of_the_Evidence-Based_Safe_Dates_Dating_Abuse_Prevention_Program_on_Other_Youth_Violence_Outcomes

The Effects of the Evidence-Based Safe Dates ... ... Studies that have tested the effectiveness of the Safe Dates program have revealed that the program reduces physical and sexual dating ...

6. cdc.gov cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/about-teen-dating-violence.html

Teen Dating Violence | Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Outcomes. Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships ... relationship consequences of dating abuse victimization among a primarily rural sample ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9272992/

Adolescent dating violence prevention programmes Adolescent dating violence is defined as a type of intimate partner violence that can include sexual, physical, or psychological abuse that occurs between two ...

8. publications.aap.org publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/148/5/e2021052880/181727/A-Dating-Violence-Prevention-Program-for-Middle

A Dating Violence Prevention Program for Middle School ... Adolescent relationship abuse (ARA), including physical, sexual, and psychological forms of violence, is a critical public health concern for ...