NCJ Number
234580
Journal
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry Volume: 42 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2011 Pages: 325-329
Date Published
September 2011
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The methodology and findings are presented from an evaluation of a two-session program of cognitive restructuring and imagery modification (CRIM) intended to reduce a feeling of being contaminated (FBC) in adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA).
Abstract
The evaluation found that there were strong pre-follow-up reductions in FBC ratings, which was the primary goal of the treatment; however, although CRIM was not expected to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), significant reductions did occur in PTSD symptoms. Currently, there are two possible explanations for the development and maintenance of the FBC; it could be a secondary trauma-related emotion based on maladaptive appraisals after traumatization; or it could be a result of classical conditioning and subsequent negative reinforcement through escape strategies. The study results support the first explanation. The findings indicate that CRIM might be a promising treatment component for reducing the FBC in the treatment of adults with PTSD related to CSA. The evaluation involved the consecutive treatment of nine women suffering from chronic CSA-related PTSD, plus the FBC. Ratings regarding the intensity, vividness, and uncontrollability of the FBC, as well as the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale were administered prior to and 6 weeks after treatment. 2 figures, 1 table, and 34 references