Sexual Assault and RapeBEAR-SINCT07902050
BEAR for Women Who Have Experienced Sexual Assault and Have Suicidal Thoughts
A study testing BEAR Therapeutic Group in people with Sexual Assault and Rape and Suicidal Thoughts, run by Stanford University at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical study is to learn if the BEAR intervention effects outcome in women who have experienced sexual assault (broadly defined) and who have suicidal thinking. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 75 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Sexual Assault and Rape, Suicidal Thoughts
- What is being tested?
- BEAR Therapeutic Group
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Dec 2026to Jan 2030
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Women ages 18-75
- History of sexual assault broadly defined with interpersonal or psychological distress (e.g., depression or anxiety) related to this history.
- Suicidal ideation or behaviors
Who cannot join
- Active, significant substance abuse, which would interfere with participation
- Significant medical conditions that would preclude safe participation in the study
- No history of sexual assault
- Psychiatric instability
- History of assaultive behavior or is judged to be at potential risk to assault others.
- No current suicidal ideation or behaviors
- People who are unable to commit to the group for 12 weeks
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site
Stanford University School of Medicine
Palo Alto, California, 94304
About this study
Official title: Utilizing the BEAR Therapeutic Group for Women With Interpersonal Violence to Reduce Suicidality and Enhance Self-efficacy
The goal of this clinical study is to learn if the BEAR intervention effects outcome in women who have experienced sexual assault (broadly defined) and who have suicidal thinking. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does this intervention decrease suicidal ideation?
- Can this intervention increase self-efficacy in this population?
Read more
All women will participate in a 12 week therapy group, which is conducted in-person.
Participants will
- Actively participate in the intervention, which is 1.5 hours, once per week for 12 weeks.
- Complete weekly forms prior to group about suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Complete a series of questionnaires at baseline, six weeks, post-group, and at 3- and 12- month follow up.
- Complete a qualitative interview about their experience of the intervention at post-group and one year follow up.
Read the detailed description
The study seeks cisgender women who have experienced sexual assault, broadly defined, and who also have suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The Building Empowerment and Resilience (BEAR) intervention is a 12-week manualized group therapy program developed for women who have experienced interpersonal violence. The group meets for 12 weeks, 1.5 hours each week. Participants must attend in-person, and it will only be conducted in Palo Alto, CA. All participants will receive the BEAR program.
The BEAR program integrates three components: 1) psychoeducation, 2) psychological skills, and 3) physical self-defense training. The psychoeducation component of the class covers topics such as healthy and unhealthy relationships, understanding stress response reactions in trauma, and shame and guilt. Social and cultural expectations are also discussed and linked to interpersonal violence.
The second component of the program advances a variety of skills that are important in all facets of the women's lives. These include skills such as assertiveness training, which is how to effectively stand up for one's rights; communication skills, which is how to communicate effectively through both verbal and nonverbal (body) language; and coping skills, which is how to managing stress and suicidal thoughts.
Physical self-defense skills are the final component of the program. An aim of the physical empowerment is to help the women embody their physical strength and voice. This physical aspect includes learning to use various levels of their voice; physical resistance moves that offer maximal opportunity for impact on an aggressor while minimizing harm to the women; specific hand/leg techniques (e.g., punching, kicking); where to target if they were attacked (e.g., nose); and training in "escape" skills that address breaking out of holds that are used by potential perpetrators (e.g., wrist grab or bear hug).
Intended group sizes will be 8-10 women per group, ages 18-75. A screening interview will be conducted to ensure eligibility. Assessments will be completed at baseline, six weeks into the group, post-group, and three- and twelve- months follow up. At each assessment point, a series of questionnaires will be completed. Additionally, after completion of the group and at the 12-month follow-up, a qualitative interview about their experience of the intervention will be conducted.
- Conditions
- Sexual Assault and Rape, Suicidal Thoughts
- Being tested
- BEAR Therapeutic Group
- Keywords
- sexual assault, suicidal thinking, depression, PTSD, anxiety
- Medical subject headings
- Suicidal Ideation, Depression, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Anxiety Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
BEAR Therapeutic GroupBehavioural
The BEAR program is a 12-week manualized group therapy program developed for women who have experienced sexual assault and have suicidal thinking. The program integrates three components: psychoeducation (e.g., healthy relationships, stress response system, gender roles and socialization), psychological skills (e.g., assertive communication, coping skills, mindfulness), and physical self-defense training (e.g., use of voice, physical techniques to maintain safety). The therapeutic group meets for 12 weeks, 1.5 hours each week. This is an in-person study and participants must attend in-person. The program will be conducted in Palo Alto, CA only.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| BEAR therapy group | Experimental | The BEAR program integrates three components in a therapy group: psychoeducation (e.g., healthy relationships, stress response system, gender roles and socialization), psychological skills (e.g., assertive communication, coping skills, mindfulness), and physical self-defense (e.g., use of voice, physical techniques to maintain safety) training. (see detailed description). Receives: Behavioral: BEAR Therapeutic Group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in suicidal thinking from baseline to immediately post-treatment as measured by the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation
Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI) is a 21-item instrument used to measure the severity of suicidal ideation in adults. The severity of suicidal ideation is calculated by summing the ratings for the first 19 items, and total BSS scores can range from 0 to 38 points, with higher numbers indicating more severe suicidal ideation.
Measured: From baseline to end of treatment at 12 weeks
Change in baseline coping self-efficacy to immediately post-treatment on the coping self-efficacy scale
The Coping Self-efficacy Scale is used to measure coping self-efficacy. There are 26 items, rating on a scale with the following anchor points: 0 (cannot do at all), 5 (moderately certain can do), and 10 (certain can do). Total scale scores range from 0 to 260, with higher scores meaning high coping self-efficacy.
Measured: From baseline to end of treatment at 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 Oct 2026
- Study startDec 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionJan 2029 (estimated)
- Study completionJan 2030 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Sexual Assault and RapeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Stanford UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Stanford University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Jennifer Keller, Stanford University
- Investigators
- Jennifer Keller, PhD, Principal investigator, Stanford University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07902050
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 87868
- Acronym
- BEAR-SI
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 28 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Utilizing the BEAR Therapeutic Group for Women With Interpersonal Violence to Reduce Suicidality and Enhance Self-efficacy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07902050
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BEAR-SI / 87868
- Conditions
- Sexual Assault and Rape, Suicidal Thoughts
- Keywords
- sexual assault, suicidal thinking, depression, PTSD, anxiety
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Stanford UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Study start
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Jan 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jan 2030 (estimated)
- First posted
- 28 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this clinical study is to learn if the BEAR intervention effects outcome in women who have experienced sexual assault (broadly defined) and who have suicidal thinking. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does this intervention decrease suicidal ideation?
- Can this intervention increase self-efficacy in this population?
All women will participate in a 12 week therapy group, which is conducted in-person.
Participants will
- Actively participate in the intervention, which is 1.5 hours, once per week for 12 weeks.
- Complete weekly forms prior to group about suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Complete a series of questionnaires at baseline, six weeks, post-group, and at 3- and 12- month follow up.
- Complete a qualitative interview about their experience of the intervention at post-group and one year follow up.
Detailed description
The study seeks cisgender women who have experienced sexual assault, broadly defined, and who also have suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The Building Empowerment and Resilience (BEAR) intervention is a 12-week manualized group therapy program developed for women who have experienced interpersonal violence. The group meets for 12 weeks, 1.5 hours each week. Participants must attend in-person, and it will only be conducted in Palo Alto, CA. All participants will receive the BEAR program.
The BEAR program integrates three components: 1) psychoeducation, 2) psychological skills, and 3) physical self-defense training. The psychoeducation component of the class covers topics such as healthy and unhealthy relationships, understanding stress response reactions in trauma, and shame and guilt. Social and cultural expectations are also discussed and linked to interpersonal violence.
The second component of the program advances a variety of skills that are important in all facets of the women's lives. These include skills such as assertiveness training, which is how to effectively stand up for one's rights; communication skills, which is how to communicate effectively through both verbal and nonverbal (body) language; and coping skills, which is how to managing stress and suicidal thoughts.
Physical self-defense skills are the final component of the program. An aim of the physical empowerment is to help the women embody their physical strength and voice. This physical aspect includes learning to use various levels of their voice; physical resistance moves that offer maximal opportunity for impact on an aggressor while minimizing harm to the women; specific hand/leg techniques (e.g., punching, kicking); where to target if they were attacked (e.g., nose); and training in "escape" skills that address breaking out of holds that are used by potential perpetrators (e.g., wrist grab or bear hug).
Intended group sizes will be 8-10 women per group, ages 18-75. A screening interview will be conducted to ensure eligibility. Assessments will be completed at baseline, six weeks into the group, post-group, and three- and twelve- months follow up. At each assessment point, a series of questionnaires will be completed. Additionally, after completion of the group and at the 12-month follow-up, a qualitative interview about their experience of the intervention will be conducted.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| BEAR therapy group | Experimental | Behavioral: BEAR Therapeutic GroupThe BEAR program integrates three components in a therapy group: psychoeducation (e.g., healthy relationships, stress response system, gender roles and socialization), psychological skills (e.g., assertive communication, coping skills, mindfulness), and physical self-defense (e.g., use of voice, physical techniques to maintain safety) training. (see detailed description). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 75 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Women ages 18-75
- History of sexual assault broadly defined with interpersonal or psychological distress (e.g., depression or anxiety) related to this history.
- Suicidal ideation or behaviors
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Active, significant substance abuse, which would interfere with participation
- Significant medical conditions that would preclude safe participation in the study
- No history of sexual assault
- Psychiatric instability
- History of assaultive behavior or is judged to be at potential risk to assault others.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| BEAR Therapeutic GroupThe BEAR program is a 12-week manualized group therapy program developed for women who have experienced sexual assault and have suicidal thinking. The program integrates three components: psychoeducation (e.g., healthy relationships, stress response system, gender roles and socialization), psychological skills (e.g., assertive communication, coping skills, mindfulness), and physical self-defense training (e.g., use of voice, physical techniques to maintain safety). The therapeutic group meets for 12 weeks, 1.5 hours each week. This is an in-person study and participants must attend in-person. The program will be conducted in Palo Alto, CA only. | Behavioural | BEAR therapy group |
Primary outcome
Change in suicidal thinking from baseline to immediately post-treatment as measured by the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation
Time frame: From baseline to end of treatment at 12 weeks
Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI) is a 21-item instrument used to measure the severity of suicidal ideation in adults. The severity of suicidal ideation is calculated by summing the ratings for the first 19 items, and total BSS scores can range from 0 to 38 points, with higher numbers indicating more severe suicidal ideation.
Change in baseline coping self-efficacy to immediately post-treatment on the coping self-efficacy scale
Time frame: From baseline to end of treatment at 12 weeks
The Coping Self-efficacy Scale is used to measure coping self-efficacy. There are 26 items, rating on a scale with the following anchor points: 0 (cannot do at all), 5 (moderately certain can do), and 10 (certain can do). Total scale scores range from 0 to 260, with higher scores meaning high coping self-efficacy.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Jennifer Keller, PhD principal investigator
Stanford University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing BEAR Therapeutic Group in people with Sexual Assault and Rape and Suicidal Thoughts, run by Stanford University at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Clinical Research Coordinator (650-724-7184, bearstudy@stanford.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in suicidal thinking from baseline to immediately post-treatment as measured by the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (time frame: From baseline to end of treatment at 12 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Oct 2026.