80 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

Finding Emotional Empowerment and Lifelong Strength for Trauma

(FEELS Trial)

AB
Overseen ByAlexandria Bauer, PhD
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to develop and test a mental health program called Finding Emotional Empowerment and Lifelong Strength for individuals who have experienced trauma and struggle with substance use. Participants will attend educational group sessions for 12 weeks to learn about mental health and coping strategies. The researchers aim to assess the program's effectiveness in empowering participants and improving their mental well-being. This trial is particularly suited for Black or African American individuals aged 18 to 35 who have experienced trauma and can speak English. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative mental health support strategies.

What prior data suggests that this mental health literacy intervention is safe?

Previous studies have shown that treatments focusing on building emotional strength and resilience help people cope with trauma. For example, research indicates that feeling safe is crucial for trauma recovery, which involves helping participants feel secure and supported. Other studies have found that strength training, when conducted with care for trauma survivors, can enhance mental health and well-being.

To date, no reports of serious side effects or harm have emerged from treatments like the Finding Emotional Empowerment and Lifelong Strength program. This suggests that the approach is well-tolerated and safe for participants.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Finding Emotional Empowerment and Lifelong Strength (FEELS) treatment because it offers a fresh approach to trauma therapy by focusing on emotional empowerment and lifelong resilience. Unlike standard treatments for trauma, which often involve medication or traditional psychotherapy, FEELS centers on empowering individuals to harness their own emotional strengths. This method could potentially lead to more sustainable healing by encouraging personal growth and resilience-building, making it an innovative addition to the existing options.

What evidence suggests that this intervention might be effective for trauma?

Research has shown that treatments focused on trauma can be very effective. For example, one study found that people receiving trauma-specific care experienced significant improvements in their mental health. Another study discovered that 77% of individuals with multiple traumas no longer had PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) symptoms after just six treatment sessions. Additionally, research from the Veterans Affairs (VA) indicated that trauma-focused therapies helped 53% of patients fully recover from PTSD. These findings suggest that the "Finding Emotional Empowerment and Lifelong Strength" program, the focus of this trial, could provide meaningful benefits for those dealing with trauma and substance use issues.678910

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

Self-identify as Black or African American
Endorse previous lifetime trauma exposure
Participants must speak English
See 2 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants take part in educational group sessions focused on trauma and substance use for 12 weeks

12 weeks
Weekly group sessions

Mid-intervention Assessment

Participants complete assessments to evaluate progress and satisfaction

1 week
1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Post-intervention Assessment

Participants complete final assessments and may participate in focus groups for feedback

1 week
1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviors

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Finding Emotional Empowerment and Lifelong Strength

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: FEELSExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Lead Sponsor

Trials
471
Recruited
81,700+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials
3,007
Recruited
2,852,000+

Citations

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Findings from multiple participating sites in the WCDVS study revealed that individuals receiving interventions experienced significant improvements in mental ...

Trauma, Stress, and Mental Health Outcomes - PMC - NIH

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Resilience: Safety in the Aftermath of Traumatic Stressor ...

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The sense of safety theoretical framework: a trauma-informed ...

This research describes four aspects of the development of the Sense of Safety Theoretical Framework for whole person care.

Growth after trauma

Post-traumatic growth helps people find a new sense of personal strength and a new focus on helping others.

Creating Safety After Chaos: How to Build an Emotionally ...

One of the first and most important goals in trauma recovery is helping clients create a sense of internal safety. This is the foundation for ...