Self-Defense Training in Women With Trauma

There is a high rate of violence against women in the United States. For example, at least 1
in 6 women will experience an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime (Tjaden &
Thoenees, 2000). The high physical, emotional, economic and social costs of such violence
are staggering. In particular, there can be a serious impact on mental health, with both
immediate and long-term consequences (e.g., Coker et al., 2000). The aim of this project is
to examine the psychological benefits of a class, which incorporates psychological and
physical self-defense skills, for women who have been the victim of sexual or physical
violence.

A small literature suggests that women who take self-defense classes have increases in
general self-efficacy and self-esteem (e.g.,Ozer and Bandura, 1990). This project is
focusing on women who already have a history of physical or sexual violence. The
investigators hypothesize that women who already have such a history of violence will
benefit from a self-defense class that incorporates psychoeducation and brief psychology
treatments in order to successfully participate in such a class and that ultimately it will
improve their psychological well-being.

Potential participants will first do a short phone screening to see whether they may be
eligible for the study. If so, they will be brought into the clinic for a full eligibility
assessment.

Eligibility Procedures: Before entering the study, participants will participate in an
eligibility interview. This will consist of a psychiatric interview (e.g., portions of the
SCID and psychiatric rating scales), trauma history (e.g. CAPS), and physical health
assessment. Participants will either need approval from their primary care physician to
participate in the physical self-defense portion of the study or have a brief physical exam
will a physician on the research team.

If the participant is eligible for the study, they will be added to the list of
participants. Once 16-20 participants have been screened and determine eligible for the
study, all will be randomly assigned to either the first self-defense class or a wait-list
group. Those in the first class will actively participate in the class for the first 8 weeks
of the study. Those in the wait-list group will receive no specific treatment during the
first 8 weeks. After completion of the first course, participants on the wait-list group
will then be offered the same 8-week course. All woman will participate in the class -
either in the 1st or 2nd 8-week class session.

During the initial 8 weeks, all participants, regardless of group assigned, will be asked to
fill out a series of questionnaires prior to the course, and after 4 and 8 weeks. Each set
of questionnaires should take less than 1 hour to complete. In addition, the investigators
will conduct a 6-month post-class, follow up assessment, which will also be on-line.

Self-defense class: The self-defense program is an eight week curriculum that meets once per
week for 2.5 hours per session. The course which involves three components. The first
component is a psycho-educational component which provides current basic information about
physical and sexual assaults and also skill building, such as assertiveness, communication
skills, and boundary setting. The second component of each class is physical resistance
techniques which offers ample training. This includes information about basic targets,
punches, and kicks, as well as breaking out of holds and other resistance skills. The third
component of each class includes a supportive psychotherapy debriefing session. Following
participation in the self-defense class all participants will be required to come for an
in-person, debriefing interview.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Women ages 21-65 years

2. History of physical and/or sexual violence, with subsequent interpersonal or
psychological distress (e.g., depression or anxiety) related to this history.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Substance abuse in the past 6 months

2. Significant medical conditions that would preclude safe participation in the study

3. High levels of depression with significant suicide risk

4. Pregnant women

5. Active symptoms of psychosis or psychiatric instability

6. History of assaultive behavior or is judged to be at potential risk to assault
others.