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Manage Emotions to Reduce Aggression Therapy for Domestic Violence

(MERA-C Trial)

JC
SS
Overseen ByStacey S Sellers, MS
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will address a pressing unmet need for effective and accessible treatment for Veteran couples with intimate partner violence (IPV). The primary objective is to adapt a brief intervention originally developed to reduce general aggression among individual Veterans with PTSD symptoms (Manage Emotions to Reduce Aggression; MERA) to reduce IPV among Veteran couples. First, the investigators will conduct stakeholder interviews to inform the content, dose, and timing of the adapted MERA-Couples manual (MERA-C). Second, the investigators will examine the preliminary feasibility and acceptability of MERA-C through a single-arm feasibility trial among 10 Veteran couples with IPV. Finally, the investigators will conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial (N= 60 couples) to examine the preliminary within- and between-couple effects of MERA-C versus MERA on (1) participant acceptability and retention and (2) physical and psychological IPV occurrence; emotion regulation; relationship functioning; and psychosocial functioning from pre- to post-treatment and at 1-month follow-up.

Who Is on the Research Team?

JC

Julianne Christina Flanagan, PhD

Principal Investigator

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for veteran couples who have experienced intimate partner violence. Both partners must be willing to participate in therapy sessions together. The study focuses on veterans, especially those with PTSD symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria

Not currently enrolled in couple therapy
At least one partner in each couple must be a U.S. military Veteran
Married, cohabiting, or in a committed relationship for at least 6 months
See 4 more

Exclusion Criteria

Current suicidal, self-harm behavior, or homicidal ideation and intent requiring a higher level of care or likely to require hospitalization during the study
Any severe physical or sexual IPV (as measured by the CTS-2) at any time in the current relationship
Having a psychiatric condition requiring a higher level of care as assessed by the Quick Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders (QuickSCID), such as psychotic or bipolar disorders
See 1 more

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Manage Emotions to Reduce Aggression-Couples (MERA-C)
  • Manage Emotions to Reduce Aggression (MERA)

Trial Overview

The study compares two therapies: one where both partners join a program called MERA-C (Manage Emotions to Reduce Aggression for Couples), and another where only the individual receives MERA therapy. It aims to see which approach better reduces aggression and improves relationships.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: MERA-CExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: MERAActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Office of Research and Development

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,691
Recruited
3,759,000+

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