Reducing Self-Stigma Among Individuals With History of Childhood Maltreatment
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
Individuals who report experiencing any kind of abuse during childhood report shame and self-blame, often leading to self-stigma and a reluctance to reveal their experiences and seek help. Such stigma may aggravate the mental health consequences of child maltreatment (CM).
The aim of the proposed study is twofold: (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief video-based intervention in reducing self-stigma among individuals who experienced childhood abuse and/or maltreatment, and (2) to increase openness to seeking treatment.
Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
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N/A |
Detailed Description
Prior research suggests that social contact-based interventions are the most efficient way of reducing stigma. This study aims to address self-stigma and empower individuals who self-reported experiencing any kind of abuse during childhood and increase their openness to seeking help, if needed.
A total of 1000 adults with self-report experience of any kind of childhood abuse will be recruited to participate in a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) testing the efficacy of the intervention. Participants will be randomized into one of two arms: 1) A 2-minute video intervention in which a CM survivor (presented by either a female or male actor) shares their personal CM experience and describes how they were able to overcome feelings of shame and self-blame to seek mental health care; or 2) A 2-minute control video using the same actors, but without CM-related content. Both videos will be preceded by and immediately followed by questionnaires assessing self-stigma and openness to seeking treatment. An additional assessment of emotional engagement will be added immediately following intervention delivery. Following the intervention, there will be a 30-day follow-up to examine potential long-term effects.
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
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Experimental: Video with Childhood Maltreatment-Related Content Participants will view a video of an actor describing the story of an individual who experienced childhood maltreatment and how they overcame its effects on their life. |
Behavioral: Video
A short video aimed at reducing self-stigma among individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment and increasing their help seeking intentions (if needed).
|
No Intervention: Video without Childhood Maltreatment Content Participants will view a lifestyle video of an actor describing their day-to-day experiences, without any childhood maltreatment-related themes. |
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Self-Stigma Questionnaire - Post-Intervention [Immediately post-intervention]
Change in stigma items from baseline - higher score indicates higher stigma (range of 15 to 60)
- Self-Stigma Questionnaire - Follow-Up [30 days post-intervention]
Change in stigma items from baseline - higher score indicates higher stigma (range of 15 to 60)
- Help Seeking Intentions (3 items of the ATSPPH) - Post-Intervention [Immediately post-intervention]
Change in treatment-seeking intentions from baseline - higher score indicates higher help-seeking intentions (range of 3 to 12)
- Help Seeking Intentions (3 items of the ATSPPH) - Follow-Up [30 days post-intervention]
Change in treatment-seeking intentions from baseline - higher score indicates higher help-seeking intentions (range of 3 to 12)
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
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Age 18-80
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US resident
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Individuals who endorse yes to one of the following items: physical aggression in family or household, emotional or verbal abuse in family or household, sexual abuse or inappropriate sexual experiences, negligence - physical or emotional, mental illness or substance abuse at home, incarceration of family member
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Fluent in English and able to give informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- N/A
Contacts and Locations
Locations
No locations specified.Sponsors and Collaborators
- Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.
- Columbia University
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Yuval Neria, PhD, NYSPI and Columbia University
Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- 8453