Trauma-Informed Peer Aggression and Dating Violence Prevention Program (SPARE) for Preteens Receiving Intensive Mental Health Services

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates whether a program called SPARE (Social Skills, Problem Solving, Emotion Regulation, and Psycho-Education on Trauma) can reduce peer aggression and prevent teen dating violence in preteens aged 11 to 13 who are receiving intensive mental health services. The study compares the effects of SPARE to usual treatment to see if it improves aggression, attitudes toward teen dating violence, behaviors, and overall mental health at the end of treatment and during follow-ups at 3 and 9 months. SPARE involves five group therapy components: social skills training, problem solving focused on nonaggressive solutions, awareness of domineering behavior and conflict resolution, emotion regulation, and education about adverse childhood experiences and trauma. These are delivered in two 45-minute sessions per week over about 7 weeks, replacing the usual social skills groups. The program is implemented at two child partial hospitalization program sites where youth attend full-day programs Monday through Friday. Participants will complete questionnaires at program start, end of treatment, and at 3- and 9-month follow-ups. Researchers will measure aggression using the Proactive and Reactive Aggression Questionnaire, along with attitudes and behaviors related to teen dating violence and mental health outcomes. The study lasts about 7 weeks of treatment with extended follow-ups to monitor lasting effects.

Trauma-Informed Peer Aggression and Dating Violence Prevention for Preteens Receiving Intensive Mental Health Services