Research on Families as Partners in Reducing Violence

STUDY BASICS

Do you have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, or another psychotic or mood disorder? Have you been involved in a violent incident in the past 6 months? Are you age 18-60? If so, you and a family member or friend may be able to participate in a 1-visit research study to help understand how families manage serious conflict situations. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

While most people who have been diagnosed with a psychotic or mood disorder are not violent, people with mental illness are at a higher risk of being involved in violent incidents. When violence does occur, a family member is often involved as a participant or as a resource to stop the situation from getting worse. The purpose of this study is to help researchers learn more about how families handle violent and potentially violent incidents involving a loved one living with mental or behavioral health issues. Researchers hope their findings will lead to the development of educational materials that can help families better manage violent situations involving people with mental illness.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 18-60 years
• Diagnosed with schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, or another psychotic or mood disorder
• Involved in a violent incident in the past 6 months (violence is defined as the laying on of hands with the intent of doing harm to another, like pushing, punching, or beating up)
• Have a family member or other individual who has lived with you for at least 6 months during the past year or who has regular contact with you (at least once every two weeks)
• You believe that this family member or close individual will be willing to also participate in this study

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves a 2-hour interview in a private location. Researchers will talk with you about a violent incident that occurred in the past 6 months, as well as an incident where a violent outcome was avoided. Your family member or close friend will be interviewed separately about the same incidents. Researchers will not share any information with either participant about what the other participant discussed. All interviews will be tape recorded. If you do not allow the researcher to tape record your interview, you will be unable to participate.