Group Interventions for Abused, Suicidal African-American Women Using Psychoeducational Empowerment Sessions

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of culturally competent psychoeducational empowerment sessions for suicidal African-American women who are in abusive relationships. The study addresses the increased rates of suicide and suicidal thoughts in young black individuals, which may be due to factors such as poverty, abuse, discrimination, and difficult family life. It focuses on how cultural, social, and personal influences affect suicidal behavior and seeks to develop therapy tailored to these factors. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups in this single-blind study. One group will receive a psychoeducational intervention consisting of 10 weekly, 90-minute group sessions led by two therapists and guided by a treatment manual that incorporates cultural, social, and intrapersonal elements. The other group will receive enhanced treatment as usual, which includes regular mental health care plus an adherence protocol and access to weekly support groups and a resource room. Treatment and follow-up occur at Grady Health System. Participants will complete surveys at baseline, week 1, week 10 (post-treatment), and at 6 and 12 months after treatment. These surveys assess suicide ideation, suicide attempts, spouse abuse, depression, hopelessness, and self-efficacy. The study involves monitoring changes in these measures over time to evaluate the interventions. Participation spans the treatment period plus a year of follow-up to track longer-term effects and safety.

Effectiveness of Empowerment Group Sessions for Treating Suicidal African American Women in Abusive Relationships