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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05818228

Reducing Self-Stigma Among Individuals with History of Childhood Maltreatment

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Stigma, Social Behavior Child Abuse Child Neglect Help-Seeking Behavior Social Behavior Social Stigma

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

New York State Psychiatric Institute

New York, 10032, United States

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 18-80
  • US resident
  • 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
  • Fluent in English and able to give informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • N/A

Treatment and study plan

Video

Behavioral

A short video aimed at reducing self-stigma among individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment and increasing their help seeking intentions (if needed).

Primary outcomes

  1. Self-Stigma Questionnaire - Post-Intervention

    Time frame: Immediately post-intervention

    Change in stigma items from baseline - higher score indicates higher stigma (range of 15 to 60)

  2. Self-Stigma Questionnaire - Follow-Up

    Time frame: 30 days post-intervention

    Change in stigma items from baseline - higher score indicates higher stigma (range of 15 to 60)

  3. Help Seeking Intentions (3 items of the ATSPPH) - Post-Intervention

    Time frame: Immediately post-intervention

    Change in treatment-seeking intentions from baseline - higher score indicates higher help-seeking intentions (range of 3 to 12)

  4. Help Seeking Intentions (3 items of the ATSPPH) - Follow-Up

    Time frame: 30 days post-intervention

    Change in treatment-seeking intentions from baseline - higher score indicates higher help-seeking intentions (range of 3 to 12)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.

Other

Collaborators

  • Columbia University

Registry information

Official study title

Reducing Self-Stigma Among Individuals with History of Childhood Maltreatment: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Apr 18, 2023
Registry last updated
Feb 13, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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