Left Write Hook Project
Laboratory Director: Dr Caitlin Hitchcock
Led by Dr Caitlin Hitchcock, our research group works across the research trajectory to translate our basic science understanding of the mechanisms which predict and maintain psychological difficulties into innovative mental health interventions. Our program spans from experimental work, which elucidates how cognitive processes promote psychological disturbance, to trials of novel psychological interventions. We have a particular interest in the transdiagnostic cognitive mechanisms which predict the primary onset of mental illness and response to psychological interventions.
A Randomised Control Trial of Left Write Hook for Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse or Other Gendered Violence
What is this research about?
Left Write Hook is a survivor-designed, peer-led program that aims to empower adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse or other gendered violence to reclaim their bodies and rewrite their stories. The program incorporates both writing and non-contact, trauma-informed boxing.
This research project will explore the impact of Left Write Hook on physical and psychological wellbeing, relative to boxing-only, as we already know that exercise can help mental and physical health. The outcome of this research will help us to offer Left Write Hook to more survivors in the future. We are seeking to understand how Left Write Hook can be offered in new community settings, to empower survivors of childhood sexual abuse and gendered violence across Australia.
We are looking for people who:
- Are 18 years or older
- Identify as female or gender diverse
- Are survivors of childhood sexual abuse or other gendered or domestic violence
- Currently reside in Victoria, Australia
If this is you, you might be eligible to take part in this research project!
There are other inclusion criteria, but a researcher will go through these with you, to make sure the research is suitable for you.
Plain Language Statement
See the plain language statement (PLS) for more detailed information about the study. A copy of the PLS is available for download below.
Interested in participating in the Left Write Hook program?
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Register your interest
Thank you for your interest and support of the study, however recruitment for the study is now closed.
If you remain interested in participating in a Left Write Hook program, there will be opportunities to do so outside of the research trial. We invite you to join the Left Write Hook charity's mailing list to be notified of upcoming groups in the community.
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Contact the research team
Alternatively, if you have any questions about the project, you can contact a member of the research team, Dr Emma Veltman, directly to find out more.
For other enquiries about this project, please contact Lead researcher; Dr Caitlin Hitchcock, Caitlin.hitchcock@unimelb.edu.au
FAQs
We answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this research project below.
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Participants will be randomly assigned (i.e. by chance) to complete 8 weeks of either the Left Write Hook group, or a boxing-only group (which does not involve any writing component). Those assigned to the Left Write Hook group will complete 8 x weekly group sessions which are led by a survivor, and involve expressive writing and non-contact, trauma-informed boxing. Those assigned to the boxing group, will complete 8 x weekly group non-contact, trauma-informed boxing sessions led by a boxing facilitator. Anyone assigned to a boxing-only group will have the opportunity to complete Left Write Hook at the end of the study pending availability. Participants mental wellbeing and physical health will be assessed both before and after the program, which will involve both in-person assessments completed by your regular group leader and answering online questionnaires.
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Past research shows that both boxing and Left Write Hook are likely to offer benefits for your wellbeing. Both the Left Write Hook program and 8-weeks of group boxing sessions usually cost $400 and/or pay what you want. Here, research participants will take part in a program, for free. This research benefits the community by helping us to understand how much Left Write Hook improves mental and physical health. This information will be used to help us offer Left Write Hook to other survivors in the future. Giving back in this way can often make people feel part of something important, which is helping other people. You will also be reimbursed for the time it takes to complete the questionnaires.
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If you decide to participate in this research, you will be asked to reflect on your mental and physical health, which we know can be uncomfortable. You can choose to complete questionnaires wherever you feel most comfortable – in the presence of the group leader at the end of a session, or at home, or over the phone with a researcher. Appropriate supports are available to you at all times throughout and after participation in the study. In the case of any distress after group sessions, Dr Emma Veltman (Clinical Psychologist) and Dr Caitlin Hitchcock (Clinical Psychologist) will be available to debrief, as will your group leader. If you require immediate support, you are also able to call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Lifeline is a 24 hour, 7 days per week telephone crisis counselling service. All participants will need to have the support of a GP or regular mental health support provider before they take part, so that we can make sure your participation is safe.
Participation in this study is completely voluntary. You can withdraw at any time and can request to withdraw any data previously supplied. Withdrawing from the program will not carry a penalty or affect your rights.
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Unfortunately you are not eligible to take part in this study as a participant if you have previously completed the Left Write Hook program.
However, if you still want to get involved, please consider completing Left Write Hook Champion Training to become a facilitator of the Left Write Hook programs in the future! More information about this is available on the Left Write Hook charity website linked below.
Want to know more about the Left Write Hook charity?
More information about the charity is available on the Left Write Hook website which can be accessed via the link below.
Left Write Hook also has a documentary about its innovative program. Visit the film website for more details.
Feeling distressed? Support is available.
If anything has come up for you after reading about this study, we want to support you.
If you need immediate support, you can contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) 24 hours, 7 days a week.
For ongoing support, we recommend you reach out to your GP and/or other supports.