Follow-Up Study of a Multisite, Randomized, Controlled Trial for Children With Sexual Abuse-Related PTSD Symptoms

• NCJ Number: 216597
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Volume: 45 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2006 Pages: 1474-1484
• Author(s): Esther Deblinger Ph.D.; Anthony P. Mannarino Ph.D.; Judith A. Cohen M.D.; Robert A. Steer Ed.D.
• Date Published: December 2006
• Length: 11 pages
• Grant Number(s): R10 MH55963; R10 MH56224
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined whether differences in posttreatment outcomes for sexually abused children treated with two different therapies--trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and child-centered therapy (CCT)--predicted different adjustment patterns in the follow-up period.

Abstract

Findings show that children and caregivers assigned to TF-CBT maintained the gains found at their completion of treatment. They continued to have fewer symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), feelings of shame, and abuse-specific parental distress at 6-month and 12-month assessments compared to the children and caregivers assigned to CCT. Parental support for the child apparently decreased over time for both treatment types; however, parents who participated in the TF-CBT continued to show a higher level of support for the children over time compared to those who participated in CCT. A total of 183 children (8-14 years old) and their primary caregivers were assessed at 6 and 12 months after completing treatment. The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime version measured PTSD. The CDI Kovacs measured self-reported depression, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for children assessed self-reported symptoms of both state and trait anxiety. The Children's Attributions and Perceptions Scale determined the children's self-reported levels of stigmatization, interpersonal trust, self-blame for negative events, and perceived credibility. The Shame Questionnaire measured the child's self-reported shame about being sexually abused. Parents used various instruments to assess their children at the same intervals of follow-up. TF-CBT is a structured treatment approach that offers education and coping-skills training designed to help children and parents process traumatic experiences. CCT is a supportive, client-centered approach that focuses on establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship that is self-affirming, empowering, and validating for both the child and caregiver. 2 tables, 1 figure, and 32 references