Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Among Teens Who Are Pregnant or Parenting: Results from a Pilot Study of an Adapted Group-Based Program

Teens who are pregnant or parenting are at particular risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), which is related to poor prenatal health and birth outcomes, substance use, and depressive symptoms in this population. Children of teen parents who experience IPV are at increased risk for psychological, social, and academic problems. Unfortunately, existing prevention programs do not address the specific risk factors, forms of abuse, and potential consequences of abuse encountered by pregnant and parenting teens. The purpose of this study is to adapt the evidence-based Safe Dates IPV prevention program to address the unique needs of teen girls who are pregnant or parenting and test the feasibility and acceptability of the adapted program, compared to the original program, in a small randomized pilot study.

To date, 28 respondents have been recruited and randomized across four sites. Teens were aged 14 to 19 years at baseline (M = 17.3, SD = 1.4). The sample was racially/ethnically diverse (36% Hispanic, 25% non-Hispanic White, 29% non-Hispanic Black). Almost all teens were in, or had graduated from, high school or a GED program. Most participants were in a couple relationship with the father of their child and a few were in a new relationship.

At baseline, the intervention and control groups were statistically similar on demographic characteristics, IPV attitudes, gender role attitudes, emotion regulation, and conflict management. Physical violence perpetration was higher in the control group; there were no other group differences in IPV behavior. Rates of psychological, physical, and sexual partner violence in the past year were similar to rates in other studies.

To date, two sites have completed implementation; all four sites will implement the 10-session program over two or three days. Documenting feasibility is particularly important given that the program is taking place outside of school. Observations and implementer logs have so far indicated high rates of adherence to both versions of the curriculum, and participant feedback has been positive. Facilitators varied in their skill at engaging participants in discussions and activities. Participants have attended an average of 8.9 sessions; 73% of participants attended all 10 sessions. There has been no difference in attendance between groups.

Results of this study to date suggest that the adapted Safe Dates program is at least as feasible to implement and acceptable to participants as the original program. The presentation will include the remaining baseline and implementation data as well as 6-month follow-up data examining directions of program effects on IPV and related outcomes. Implications for future efficacy research on the adapted Safe Dates program will be discussed.