Randomized Controlled Trial of the ©Violence, Evidence, Guidance, Action (VEGA) Project Family Violence Education Resources with Canadian Clinical Psychology Doctoral Students

Title: Randomized Controlled Trial of the ©Violence, Evidence, Guidance, Action (VEGA) Project Family Violence Education Resources with Canadian Clinical Psychology Doctoral Students

Description: This research seeks to evaluate the ©Violence, Evidence, Guidance, Action (VEGA) Project, Family Violence Education Resources from McMaster University (VEGA Project, 2019) for Clinical Psychology graduate students. Students from accredited Clinical Psychology doctoral programs in Canada will complete the VEGA training by way of a randomized trial that includes an experimental group and a wait-list control. Participants will complete measures before and after the 3.5 hour, online training to assess reactions to the content, any changes in knowledge/attitudes about family violence, and self-reported clinical behaviours. After completing the training and measures, a random selection of students will be invited to a one-on-one Zoom interview to discuss their perspectives on the training and its impact on their work with clients. Participants will be entered into a draw for one of eight $25 Amazon giftcards, and another draw of one of four $25 Amazon giftcards for interview participation. This study aims to answer: (1) Was the training engaging and relevant to clinical psychology students? (2) Did the training improve students' knowledge and self-efficacy regarding family violence? (3) Did the training change behaviours and improve the response of clinical psychology students to clients ? Note: Used with permission from © 2020 VEGA Project, McMaster University. All rights reserved.

Specifics: Study Population:
• Clinical Psychology doctoral students in Canadian programs
• Speak/read English
• Engaged in program-required clinical work
• Not currently in family violence training outside of compulsory/elective course offerings
• Internet access

Participant Obligation:
• Pre- and post-training questionnaires (30 minutes each time)
• Family violence training (3.5 hours to complete)
• Training reaction surveys (15 minutes to complete)
• Checklist of clinical behaviours (10 minutes)
• Optional interview (1 hour)

Location: online - Ottawa, ON

Project lead: Carl Newton, Supervisor: Dr. Elisa Romano

Study Dates: October 30, 2024 to May 31, 2025