A Pilot Study of Self-Defense Training in Women With Trauma
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Stanford University
- Enrollment
- 9
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in Self-efficacy From Baseline to Post-treatment
Study Overview
Brief Summary
Previous research has shown that self-defense training can lead to gains in women's assertiveness, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and physical competence, and decreases in anxiety, helplessness, fear, and avoidant behaviors. However, most of this research has been conducted with healthy women who had not previously experienced physical or sexual violence. The investigators believe that women with such trauma histories require additional care because of potential triggering symptoms. As such, the investigators are mindful of the potential for triggering trauma symptoms and will work with the women so that they feel safe and comfortable in their participation. This pilot study aims to examine whether similar psychological gains from self-defense training are made in women who have previous experiences of physical and/or sexual violence.
Detailed Description
There is a high rate of violence against women in the United States. For example, at least 1 in 6 women will experience an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime (Tjaden & Thoenees, 2000). The high physical, emotional, economic and social costs of such violence are staggering. In particular, there can be a serious impact on mental health, with both immediate and long-term consequences (e.g., Coker et al., 2000). The aim of this project is to examine the psychological benefits of a class, which incorporates psychological and physical self-defense skills, for women who have been the victim of sexual or physical violence.
A small literature suggests that women who take self-defense classes have increases in general self-efficacy and self-esteem (e.g.,Ozer and Bandura, 1990). This project is focusing on women who already have a history of physical or sexual violence. The investigators hypothesize that women who already have such a history of violence will benefit from a self-defense class that incorporates psychoeducation and brief psychology treatments in order to successfully participate in such a class and that ultimately it will improve their psychological well-being.
Potential participants will first do a short phone screening to see whether they may be eligible for the study. If so, they will be brought into the clinic for a full eligibility assessment.
Eligibility Procedures: Before entering the study, participants will participate in an eligibility interview. This will consist of a psychiatric interview (e.g., portions of the SCID and psychiatric rating scales), trauma history (e.g. CAPS), and physical health assessment. Participants will either need approval from their primary care physician to participate in the physical self-defense portion of the study or have a brief physical exam will a physician on the research team.
If the participant is eligible for the study, they will be added to the list of participants. Once an adequate number of participants have been screened and determine eligible for the study, they will participate in the group for 8 weeks.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Na
- Intervention Model
- Single Group
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 21 Years to 65 Years (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- Female
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Women ages 21-65 years
- •History of physical and/or sexual violence, with subsequent interpersonal or psychological distress (e.g., depression or anxiety) related to this history.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Substance abuse in the past 6 months
- •Significant medical conditions that would preclude safe participation in the study
- •High levels of depression with significant suicide risk
- •Pregnant women
- •Active symptoms of psychosis or psychiatric instability
- •History of assaultive behavior or is judged to be at potential risk to assault others.
Arms & Interventions
Life skills and self-defense training
Women will participate in a therapeutic group which covers education, skills, and empowerment activities.
Intervention: Life skills and self-defense training (Behavioral)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in Self-efficacy From Baseline to Post-treatment
Time Frame: Change in GSE from baseline to 8 weeks
General self-efficacy (Schwartz and Jerusalem, 1993) is a measure of one's perceived self-competence. Scores are summed across 10 items, and range between 10-40, where higher scores reflect a stronger sense of personal competence.
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in Assertiveness Between Baseline and Post-intervention(Change in assertiveness from baseline to post-class (8 weeks))
Investigators
Jennifer Keller
Senior Research Scholar
Stanford University