Sexual Behavior and Treatment Improvement of Institutionalized Girls

• NCJ Number: 242001
• Journal: Residential Treatment for Children & Youth Volume: 29 Issue: 3 Dated: July - September 2012 Pages: 250-264
• Author(s): Karin S. Nijhof, Ph.D.; Ron H.J. Scholte, Ph.D.; W.J. Burk, Ph.D.; Rutger C.M.E Engels, Ph.D.; Coleta Van Dam, Ph.D.; Jan W. Veerman, Ph.D.
• Date Published: August 2012
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the association between sexual behavior and treatment improvement of institutionalized girls.

Abstract

The present study examined the association between sexual behavior and treatment improvement of institutionalized girls. Treatment files of 174 girls (M age = 15.71, SD = 1.14) were analyzed to obtain information about the sexual behavior of girls before admission. Based on their sexual behavior, girls were classified into three subgroups: girls showing sexually normative behavior (29 percent), girls showing promiscuous behavior (43 percent), and girls with a history of forced prostitution (29 percent). A subsample of 95 girls was also asked to complete questionnaires to measure treatment improvement. The findings revealed no differences in self-reported problem behavior between the subgroups at entrance. Over time differences between the subgroups were found, indicating that the girls in the different subgroups might require a different treatment approach. Further research that would include larger samples is needed to explore specific treatment needs. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.