CE24-029 Cross-Cutting Trauma-Informed Peer Aggression and Dating Violence Prevention for Preteens Receiving Intensive Mental Health Services

PROJECT SUMMARY Ninety-eight percent of youth receiving intensive mental health services (IMHS) have Adverse Childhood Experi- ences (ACEs)—which are a cross-cutting risk factor for peer aggression and teen dating violence (TDV). Preteens (i.e., 11–13-year-olds) in IMHS also are at increased risk for violence because of their comorbid mental health problems, which result in emotional and social deficits that inhibit their ability to form healthy relationships and increase their victimization risk. Aggression, which can be proactive (i.e., goal-oriented) or reactive (i.e., defensive) in nature, is a leading cause of referrals for IMHS. However, IMHS settings struggle to provide ag- gression care and existing interventions (1) are not trauma-informed, (2) do not target peer and dating aggres- sion, and (3) do not account for proactive and reactive perpetration. Failure to provide appropriate clinical treat- ment for aggression results in immediate and long-term negative outcomes for victims and perpetrators. Thus, the current project aims to develop and evaluate an optimized trauma-informed intervention for youth receiving IMHS which targets peer aggression and prevents teen dating violence for preteens. The goal of Aim 1 is to de- velop a group-based trauma-informed intervention that targets peer aggression and prevents TDV for preteens in IMHS (Social skills, Problem Solving, Awareness, Regulation, and psycho-Education: A trauma-informed in- tervention for peer aggression and teen dating violence (SPARE)). Qualitative data from a Preteen Advisory Board and ongoing collaboration with the multidisciplinary team at the Child Partial Hospitalization Program at Bradley Hospital (CP) will be used to develop SPARE. The goal of Aim 2 is to assess feasibility and acceptabil- ity of SPARE via a small pilot trial with two cohorts of youth using quantitative and qualitative feedback from preteens and Behavioral Health Staff. Aim 3 will evaluate SPARE’s impact on peer aggression, TDV attitudes and behaviors, and mental health compared to treatment as usual (TAU) by implementing SPARE as a part of regular treatment at two sites of CP. Preteens and their caregivers will provide quantitative data at baseline, CP termination, and 3-month and 9-month follow-ups. This project aligns with NCIPC’s research priorities to de- velop cross-cutting violence prevention programs that address ACEs, youth violence, and TDV and fills a critical gap in psychological care for youth in IMHS. A highly structured training plan will ensure achievement of the proposed research aims. Specifically, the PI will receive specialized training in (1) intervention development, (2) TDV prevention, (3) trauma-informed aggression prevention, and (4) statistical methods for evaluating clinical trials. Training will be guided by an outstanding mentorship team with highly relevant expertise and outstanding track records of mentorship and collaboration. The proposed research and training plan is further supported by the rich training environment in the Brown Medical School and Lifespan. Through this K01, the PI will launch her career as an independent clinical scientist focused on developing and evaluating trauma-informed aggres- sion interventions for youth in IMHS.