NCT07346638 · Stanford University
The BEAR Program for Women With Trauma Who Have Suicidal Thoughts
(BEAR-SI)
What this study is about
The current study aims to test the feasibility of a new form of group therapy for women who have a history of interpersonal trauma and current suicidal ideation. The Building Empowerment and Resilience (BEAR) Therapeutic group has been adapted for women who have experienced trauma and have current suicidal ideation.
View original scientific description
The current study aims to test the feasibility of a new form of group therapy for women who have a history of interpersonal trauma and current suicidal ideation. The Building Empowerment and Resilience (BEAR) Therapeutic group has been adapted for women who have experienced trauma and have current suicidal ideation. It incorporates psychological skills, psychoeducation about trauma and gender-based violence, and physical self-defense training, all within a therapeutic process. It will be implemented with women who have experienced interpersonal trauma (physical, sexual, or emotional abuse/neglect) and experience various mental health difficulties, including suicidal ideation. We aim to assess the feasibility to recruit and implement the BEAR group. Our ultimate aim is to assess whether the program can effect self-efficacy and suicidal ideation.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
BEAR-SI
The BEAR Therapeutic program is a twelve-week group that meets once per week for 1.5 hours per week. The program includes three main components. The first is a psycho-educational component which provides current information about assault statistics, common risk factors, myths that are often associated assault, and safety related information The second component focuses on the development of an assortment of interpersonal skills. This part of the group offers skills such as assertiveness or communication training, boundary setting, and coping skills. The third component of our intervention consists of a thorough set of self-defense skills that help women to keep themselves safe. The repertoire of skills include recognizing unsafe situations, utilizing one's voice, and release from holds. This section provides ample practice blocks, resistance skills, and specific techniques to keep one's self safe.
Primary outcome measures
Coping self-efficacy
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks (post-group)
This scale ranges from 0-286, with 0 indicating no confidence in managing stressors to 286 indicating very high level of confidence that one could do a particular behavior
Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks (post-group)
Assesses amount of suicidal thinking. The total BSS score can range from 0, with no suicidal thinking to 38 points, severe level of suicidal thinking.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Women ages 18-75
- History of physical, sexual, and/or sexual emotional violence, with subsequent interpersonal or psychological distress (e.g., depression or anxiety) related to this history.
- Current suicidal thinking
Exclusion criteria
- Active, significant substance abuse, which could interfere with participation
- Significant medical conditions that would preclude safe participation in the study
- No history of interpersonal trauma
- Acute psychiatric instability
- History of assaultive behavior or is judged to be a potential risk to assault others.
- No current suicidal ideation or behaviors
- Unable to commit to the group for 12 weeks in-person
Where
- Stanford, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 20, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations