Educational Program for Sexual Harassment

(E-STOP Trial)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

Disqualifiers: Non-T32 program members

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores ways to improve how researchers and their mentors address and understand issues like sexual harassment, microaggressions, and unconscious bias. The aim is to boost the confidence and awareness of research leaders, enhance the experiences and sense of belonging for trainees, and improve the overall working environment in research settings. Participants will use the E-STOP educational program, which includes online video modules over nine months. Principal investigators (PIs), mentors, and trainees in T-32 Programs are eligible to join. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive research environment.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this educational program is safe?

Research has shown that E-STOP is designed to help create safer and more inclusive environments. This program trains individuals to recognize and address sexual harassment and microaggressions. Schools have used it to improve awareness and responses to these issues.

While specific data on side effects is unavailable, E-STOP is an online learning program, not a medication or physical treatment, and is generally considered safe. Participants watch video lessons online, which poses minimal risk. Reports of negative effects are absent, suggesting the program is well-tolerated. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Educational Program for Sexual Harassment because it offers a proactive, digital approach to tackling sexual harassment. Unlike traditional training methods that often involve in-person workshops or seminars, this program provides online video modules that participants can access at their convenience. This flexibility can lead to more consistent engagement and potentially better outcomes. Additionally, by using an online platform, the program can easily be updated and scaled to reach a wider audience, making it a versatile tool in preventing sexual harassment in various settings.

What evidence suggests that the E-STOP program is effective for addressing sexual harassment?

Research has shown that the E-STOP program, accessible to trial participants through online video modules, effectively addresses sexual harassment. One study found that interactive training helped participants better prevent sexual harassment and assault. Another small study found that a computer-based program was popular with participants. These results indicate that E-STOP can enhance knowledge and confidence in handling sexual harassment. Such findings suggest that E-STOP could contribute to creating safer learning environments. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Arghavan Salles

Principal Investigator

[e-mail]

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Principal Investigators (PIs), mentors, and trainees involved in T-32 Programs. It aims to educate them on handling sexual harassment and improving the research environment. Those not associated with T-32 Programs cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

PIs, Mentors and Trainees of T-32 Programs

Exclusion Criteria

People who are not PIs, Mentors and Trainees of T-32 Programs

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants access online video modules through an online learning platform for up to 9 months

9 months

Virtual educational materials

Post-Intervention Assessment

Initial post-survey for PIs and mentors shortly after the final module to evaluate short-term outcomes

1-2 weeks

Survey administration

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for long-term outcomes with surveys administered one and two years after intervention

2 years

Surveys at 1 year and 2 years post-intervention

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• E-STOP

Trial Overview

The study tests an online educational program called E-STOP designed to boost confidence in addressing sexual harassment and improve attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge about related issues within research settings.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Group / year 2 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Beginning in year 2, participants access online video modules through an online learning platform for up to 9 months.

Group II: Intervention Group / year 1 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Beginning in year 1, participants access online video modules through an online learning platform for up to 9 months.

Group III: Control Condition Group / year 2 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Beginning in year 2, participants access online video modules through an online learning platform for up to 9 months.

Group IV: Control Condition Group / year 1 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Beginning in year 1, participants access online video modules through an online learning platform for up to 9 months.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)

Collaborator

Trials

315

Recruited

251,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A pilot study involving 136 college women found that a computer-based risk reduction program was well-accepted and did not cause significant emotional distress, indicating its feasibility for this population.

Participants in the risk reduction program showed improved risk detection skills compared to those in the control group, suggesting preliminary efficacy in enhancing awareness and response to potential sexual victimization.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Brief Computer-Based Sexual Assault Risk Reduction Program: A Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy Pilot Study. Newins, AR., White, SW.[2021]

The Stop It Now! helpline effectively provides support and guidance to individuals concerned about child sexual abuse, helping them modify behaviors to reduce the risk of abuse, as evidenced by positive feedback from users in the UK and Netherlands.

Despite its success, there is a challenge in ensuring that the helpline reaches those who need it most, highlighting the need for strategies to improve accessibility and expand the program's impact on preventing child sexual abuse.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Stop It Now! A Pilot Study Into the Limits and Benefits of a Free Helpline Preventing Child Sexual Abuse. Van Horn, J., Eisenberg, M., Nicholls, CM., et al.[2018]

Citations

1.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-harassment-sexual-2024-9cc5f

Educational Program for Sexual Harassment (E-STOP Trial)

A pilot study involving 136 college women found that a computer-based risk reduction program was well-accepted and did not cause significant emotional distress, ...

2.

salleslab.stanford.edu

salleslab.stanford.edu/E-STOP

Teaching of Principal Investigators (E-STOP) | Salles Lab

This is a formerly NIH-funded study to assess an intervention aimed at decreasing sexual harassment in biomedical research.

3.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10774269/

Testing the effectiveness of interactive training on sexual ...

Treatment–control and pre-post training survey data indicate that the training increased participants' sexual harassment and assault prevention ...

4.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9868763/

Stop Sexual Harassment: A study protocol for a cluster ...

In this study the effectiveness of “Stop Sexual Harassment” is evaluated via a cluster randomised controlled trial among pupils and teachers at 38 secondary ...

5.

tandfonline.com

tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10926771.2022.2046224

Effective Empowerment-Based Training Is One Approach ...

Effective Empowerment-Based Training Is One Approach Identified in CDC's STOP-SV Technical Package as Part of Comprehensive, Multi-Sector Prevention of Sexual ...

6.

nature.com

nature.com/articles/s41598-023-49203-0

Testing the effectiveness of interactive training on sexual ...

Treatment–control and pre-post training survey data indicate that the training increased participants' sexual harassment and assault prevention ...

7.

nsf.gov

nsf.gov/stopping-harassment/sahpr

Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention and Response ...

The purpose of the NSF SAHPR program office is to support individuals who have experienced sexual violence and to ensure the sensitive and comprehensive care of ...

8.

sexualmisconduct.princeton.edu

sexualmisconduct.princeton.edu/prevention-efforts/faq-psh

Preventing Sexual Harassment Program

The University has developed an online education program, Preventing Sexual Harassment, to help us provide a safe and supportive environment for all community ...