Exploring how friendships affect adolescents who have experienced maltreatment
Beneficial or Fostering Future Struggles (B.F.F.s)? Characterizing the Role of Friends in Adolescent Development
NA · University of South Carolina · NCT05893459
This study tests how friendships can help teenagers aged 13 to 17 who have faced maltreatment manage stress and improve their mental health compared to those who haven't experienced maltreatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of South Carolina (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbia, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT05893459 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the impact of friendship experiences on adolescents aged 13 to 17 who have faced maltreatment compared to those who have not. Participants will attend a visit with their caregiver and best friend, where they will complete questionnaires and undergo a stress management assessment. The study aims to understand how different friendship dynamics influence stress regulation and mental health outcomes in maltreated versus non-maltreated adolescents. The research employs a randomized design to assess the effects of discussing stress experiences with a friend versus being alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 13 to 17 who either have a history of maltreatment or do not, along with their non-offending caregiver and a best friend.
Not a fit: Patients who are outside the age range of 13 to 17 or do not have a non-offending caregiver or a best friend to participate will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how supportive friendships can mitigate the negative effects of maltreatment on adolescents' mental health.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous research has indicated that supportive friendships can play a crucial role in the mental health of adolescents, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 13 to 17 years old at first study visit * Qualify as either maltreated (endorses history of maltreatment - physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional maltreatment, or neglect and/or has substantiated record of child maltreatment per Department of Social Services \[DSS\] records) or non-maltreated (denies history of maltreatment and/or no substantiated record of child maltreatment per DSS records) * Parent participating in the study visit is a non-offending caregiver (no record of substantiated maltreatment against the adolescent participant) * Participant identifies a best friend who is not a sibling or previous/current romantic partner who can accompany them to the study visit * Participant, caregiver, and friend are fluent in written and spoken English Exclusion Criteria: * \<13 or \>17 at time of first study visit * No available non-offending parent or guardian/caregiver to participate in the study * No best friend identified to accompany the participant to the study * Participant, caregiver, or friend is not fluent in written and spoken English
Where this trial is running
Columbia, South Carolina
- University of South Carolina — Columbia, South Carolina, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Michelle P Brown, PhD
- Email: bffsstudy@sc.edu
- Phone: (803) 766-4553
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Child Maltreatment, Interpersonal Relations, Victimisation, Psychopathology, Electrocardiography, Adolescents, Teenagers, Teens