Cognitive Behavioral Groups for Nonoffending Mothers and their Young Sexually Abused Children: A Preliminary Treatment Outcome Study

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of concurrent 11-week cognitive behavioral groups for 19 nonoffending mothers and their young sexually abused children. Evaluation included standardized assessment of maternal distress levels and maternal reports of children's behavioral functioning at initial contact, pretreatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. A series of one-way repeated measures ANOVAs indicated significant decreases in parental distress and children's sexual behaviors across evaluations. Post-hoc analyses suggest that these improvements occurred as a function of group participation and were maintained at follow-up.

Interventions for families victimized by child sexual abuse: Clinical issues and approaches for child advocacy center-based services

“…There are many group treatments that have been developed specifically for CSA victims (e.g., Avinger & Jones, 2007;Corder et al, 1990;Deblinger et al, 2001;Friedrich, Luecke, Beilke, & Place, 1992;Gagliano, 1987;Grayston & DeLuca, 1995;Grosz et al, 1999;Reeker & Ensing, 1998;Stauffer & Deblinger, 1996;Tourigny et al, 2005;Zaidi & Gutierrez-Kovner, 1995). Given the multitude of group treatments for CSA victims, the following section discusses general treatment approaches, modalities, and considerations, rather than providing an exhaustive list.…”

“…In addition, non-offending caregivers may attempt suicide or require hospitalization following their child's disclosure (Deblinger et al, 1993), and often display symptoms of PTSD and grief symptomatology (Manion et al, 1996). Stauffer and Deblinger (1996) noted that non-offending parents often experienced elevated levels of psychosocial distress up to an average of two years following their child's disclosure of CSA.…”

“…Thus, the impact on non-offending caregivers appears to be variable, as is shown for child victims of CSA. Given the critical need for support from non-offending caregivers, particularly following disclosure, and the impact of parental distress on the child's recovery, the impact of CSA on nonoffending caregivers warrants further attention (e.g., Corcoran, 1998;Stauffer & Deblinger, 1996).…”

“…In a study by Stauffer and Deblinger (1996) the efficacy of CBT was compared with a wait-list condition for non-offending mothers of children ages 2 to 6 years. The non-offending mothers reported significantly lower levels of avoidance of abuse-related cognitions and feelings, less distress, increased parenting skills, and reductions in their child's sexual behavior problems, following treatment.…”

“…Across the different theoretical orientations for group interventions for CSA victims the following topics are typically covered: reactions to disclosure, guilt and responsibility, secrets, sex education, body image, private parts, good touches/bad touches, anger control, problem-solving skills, assertiveness, coping skills, peer relations, anxiety management, depression, self-esteem, behavior management, free play for preschoolers, and discussion of abuse experiences, offenders, and court processes (Reeker & Ensing, 1998;Silovsky & Hembree-Kigin, 1994;Stauffer & Deblinger, 1996). In addition to topics, many groups have incorporated a shared snack time, in efforts to promote group cohesion, and help to nurture group members (e.g., Silovsky & Hembree-Kigin, 1994;Sturkie, 1994;Zaidi & GutierrezKovner, 1995).…”