Actively Recruiting
Examining Therapeutic Change Mechanisms in an Affect Regulation, Father-Focused Intervention for Reducing Family Violence and Associated Symptoms in Children
Led by Yale University · Updated on 2026-04-15
1080
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
17 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
Y
Yale University
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Connecticut
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Fathers for Change (F4C), a father-focused intervention, compared to a standard Batterer Intervention Program (BIP) in reducing family violence and child mental health issues. The study focuses on fathers with a history of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and examines how fathers' emotion regulation and reflective functioning may influence outcomes for both the family and children. It addresses the gap in current interventions by specifically involving fathers and targeting the roots of offending behaviors. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: Fathers for Change or the Duluth Model BIP. Fathers for Change involves 18 weekly individual sessions of 60 minutes each, focusing on emotion regulation, reflective functioning, and improving family communication. The Duluth BIP also consists of 18 weekly individual sessions of 60 minutes, focusing on psychoeducation about the impact of violence, power and control tactics, and anger management skills through didactics and role plays. Throughout the study, participants and their families undergo assessments at baseline, 19 weeks, 43 weeks, and 70 weeks to measure changes in physical and verbal IPV, child maltreatment, and child mental health symptoms such as posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and aggression. Father-child interactions and coercive controlling IPV are also evaluated. Data collection includes observational coding during sessions and weekly self-ratings. The study aims to understand the mechanisms of change and improve interventions for families affected by IPV and child maltreatment.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Father-Focused Intervention for Reducing Family Violence and Symptoms in Children
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Have at least one biological child aged 6 months to 12 years with whom they have contact
- Had an incident of intimate partner violence within the last 12 months with their child's mother
- Have a currently open or recently investigated case with CT DCF
- Able to complete assessments in English or Spanish
- Agree to have female coparents contacted as collateral informants and for child participation consent
- Female coparents consent to provide parent-report on child or opt out of child participation while allowing father participation
You will not qualify if you...
- Have an active full or no contact protective order pertaining to their child
- Have physiological addiction requiring detoxification without successful completion and clean urine screen
- Have cognitive impairment preventing understanding of study interventions (Mini Mental State score <25)
- Have a current untreated psychotic disorder
- Have current suicidal or homicidal ideation based on screening
- Previously participated in Fathers for Change or a Batterer Intervention Program
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 18 weeks
Participants receive weekly individual therapy sessions focused on improving emotion regulation, reflective functioning, and family communication to reduce family violence and improve father-child interactions.
Weekly visits for 18 weeks (60-minute individual sessions)
Duration - Up to 52 weeks after treatment
Participants complete follow-up assessments to evaluate changes in family violence, child mental health, and father-child interactions after treatment ends.
3 visits (at approximately 24, 43, and 70 weeks post-baseline)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Yale
New Haven, Connecticut, United States, 06520
Actively Recruiting
2
UCONN Health Center
West Hartford, Connecticut, United States, 06119
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Carla S Stover, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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