Clinical Trial: Effectiveness of an Anti-bullying Intervention for Adolescent Perpetrators
Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional
Official Title: Effectiveness of an Anti-bullying Intervention for Adolescent Perpetrators: Using Tools Measuring Brain Function and Structure, Cognition and Behavior.
Brief Summary: The investigators recruited school bullying perpetrators from the age of 12 to 17 by referral from the local police department. An anti-bullying intervention based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles was conducted, and addressed issues related to impulse control, empathy and communication enhancement. All participants completed brain magnetic resonance imaging, neurocognitive tests, and questionnaires before and after the intervention.
Detailed Summary:
The present study included previous perpetrators of school bullying who were convicted for a minor offense, including physical or verbal assaults or theft, and who were referred by the police to participate in an anti-bullying intervention. The program consisted of 8 sessions over 4 weeks and was conducted by a board-certified psychiatrist and a therapist with previous training in psychosocial treatments. The intervention was based on CBT principles and addressed various factors that have been associated with perpetrators of school bullying, including impulse control, perspective taking (empathy), and the enhancement of communication skills.
All participants completed the Korean Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia—Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL) administered by board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists. The validity and reliability of the original and Korean versions of the K-SADS-PL have been established. Intelligence quotient (IQ) was measured using the Korean Educational Developmental Institute's Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children.
Prior to and after participation in the program, all participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (structural and functional) and completed neurocognitive tests that included the continuous performance test (CPT), the Stroop Word and Color Test, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). The parents of the participants completed questionnaires including the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Written informed consent was obtained from the parents and the participants after sufficient explanation of the study. The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board of the Seoul National University Hospital.
Sponsor: Seoul National University Childrens Hospital
Current Primary Outcome: Brain activity measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) [ Time Frame: 1 month ]
Original Primary Outcome: Same as current
Current Secondary Outcome:
- Aggression measured by the Child Behavior Checklist based on parent-report [ Time Frame: 1 month ]
- Cognitive flexibility measured by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test [ Time Frame: 1 month ]
Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current
Information By: Seoul National University Childrens Hospital
Dates:
Date Received: January 27, 2016
Date Started: January 2014
Date Completion:
Last Updated: January 28, 2016
Last Verified: January 2016
