This cluster-randomized school-based study will examine the effectiveness of a teen dating violence (TDV) and sexual violence (SV) prevention program called Expect Respect for preventing serious violence perpetration among middle school students.
This cluster-randomized controlled school-based study will examine the effectiveness of a support group-based teen dating violence (TDV) and sexual violence (SV) prevention program on the primary prevention of serious (and potentially lethal) violence perpetration among middle school students (both male and female-identified) who have prior exposure to trauma and violence. Expect Respect gender-specific support groups are for youth with prior history of exposure to violence including witnessing domestic violence, loss of loved one to homicide, TDV, and SV. Expect Respect is a theory and research-informed program intended to alter norms condoning violence and rigid gender expectations that foster violence perpetration, promote bystander intervention, and reduce TDV/SV perpetration. Implemented by trained facilitators, the 24-session curriculum focuses on gender equity and respect, recognizing abuse and impact on self and others, regulating emotions, skills for healthy relationships, and becoming active proponents of safe and healthy relationships.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
635
Expect Respect is a 24 session curriculum designed to support middle school students to increase skills in emotion regulation, relationship skills, communication, and positive bystander intervention behaviors.
Participants will be connected via a warm referral to available individual behavioral health supports and resources in their community that can support them.
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Change from baseline in self-reported recent (past 3 months) violence perpetration at End of Program
Summary score of violence perpetration likely to result in serious injury or death (physical and sexual TDV - 4 items, SV - 5 items, threats with a weapon - 1 item, and physical fighting - 1 item), calculated as one point for each behavior endorsed and then summed (possible range: 0-11).
Time frame: End of program (average 24-30 weeks after baseline, Time 2 - primary endpoint)
Change from baseline in self-reported recent (past 3 months) violence perpetration at one year after baseline
Summary score of violence perpetration likely to result in serious injury or death (physical and sexual TDV - 4 items, SV - 5 items, threats with a weapon - 1 item, and physical fighting - 1 item), calculated as one point for each behavior endorsed and then summed (possible range: 0-11).
Time frame: One year after baseline (Time 3)
Change from baseline in frequency of weapon carrying at End of Program
Number of times carrying a weapon in past 30 days (self-reported)
Time frame: End of program (average 24-30 weeks after baseline, Time 2 - primary endpoint)
Change from baseline in frequency of weapon carrying at one year after baseline
Number of times carrying a weapon in past 30 days (self-reported)
Time frame: One year after baseline (Time 3)
Change from baseline in positive bystander behaviors at End of Program
Past 3 month positive bystander behavior in participants when witnessing disrespectful and harmful behavior among peers comparing baseline and follow up summary scores. Participants report if they have witnessed each of 9 peers' abusive behaviors in the past 3 months and if witnessed, how they responded (whether they intervened to interrupt the behavior, provided support to the person being harmed). One point is given for reporting at least 1 positive intervention for each abusive behavior witnessed; points are added to create a summary score (possible range: 0-9).
Time frame: End of program (average 24-30 weeks after baseline, Time 2 - primary endpoint)
Change from baseline in positive bystander behaviors at one year after baseline
Past 3 month positive bystander behavior in participants when witnessing disrespectful and harmful behavior among peers comparing baseline and follow up summary scores. Participants report if they have witnessed each of 9 peers' abusive behaviors in the past 3 months and if witnessed, how they responded (whether they intervened to interrupt the behavior, provided support to the person being harmed). One point is given for reporting at least 1 positive intervention for each abusive behavior witnessed; points are added to create a summary score (possible range: 0-9).
Time frame: One year after baseline (Time 3)
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