Clinical Trial: Addressing Heightened Levels of Aggression in Traumatized Offenders With Psychotherapeutic Means

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Addressing Heightened Levels of Aggression in Traumatized Offenders With Psychotherapeutic Means: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Eastern DR Congo

Brief Summary: Heightened levels of aggression are fuelling violent incidents at all levels, especially in post-war regions. Narrative Exposure Therapy for Forensic Offender Rehabilitation (FORNET) aims to address trauma symptoms along with reactive and instrumental/appetitive aggression to encounter the downward cycle of perpetration and enforce a sustainable (re-)integration into civil life. In the present study, the investigators provide an adapted version of FORNET to former combatants in the North Kivu, Eastern DR Congo. Structured baseline, 3 and 6 month follow up interviews will be administered to assess the main outcome measures recent violent acts and appetitive aggression.

Detailed Summary: Participants will be recruited through local NGOs and eligible clients randomized to the treatment or waitlist control group, respectively. The treatment will be provided by supervised local counsellors after a 4-week training. At baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow up, sociodemographic data, trauma exposure, perpetrated violent acts, PTSD, recent aggression, functionality and drug dependency will be assessed. The interviews will be conducted by blind Congolese psychological interviewers after an intensive 3-weeks training and continuous supervision.
Sponsor: University of Konstanz

Current Primary Outcome:

  • AAS: Appetitive aggression (sumscore) [ Time Frame: Change from baseline to 3 and 6 months post treatment ]
    Appetitive Aggression Scale (Weierstall & Ebert, 2011)
  • Violent offenses (sumscore) [ Time Frame: Change from baseline to 3 and 6 months post treatment ]
    A list of violent offenses formerly used in Burundi (Crombach/Augsburger)


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: PSS-I: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (sumscore) [ Time Frame: Change from baseline to 3 and 6 months post treatment ]

PTSD Symptom Scale (Foa & Tolin, 2000)


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: University of Konstanz

Dates:
Date Received: December 6, 2016
Date Started: September 2016
Date Completion: April 2018
Last Updated: December 10, 2016
Last Verified: December 2016