Outcome of Group Treatment for Sexually Abused Adolescent Females Living in a Group Home Setting

Abstract

The present study examined pre- to posttreatment changes on several outcome variables following a group treatment for sexually abused adolescent females living in a group home setting. The treatment, called SAY Group, is a 20-week, closed-enrollment group that employs a cognitive-behavioral, PTSD-informed approach. Pre- and posttest assessments were completed by 43 SAY Group participants and by their group-home caregivers. Significant improvements were found on adolescent self-report measures of internalizing and externalizing problems, PTSD symptoms, and self-worth. No significant improvement was noted for depression. Caregivers reported significant improvement on internalizing behavior problems and PTSD symptoms, but not on externalizing problems. Preliminary findings indicate that SAY Group is effective in reducing symptoms commonly associated with sexual abuse.

Group Treatment of Sexually Abused Adolescent Girls: A Review of Outcome Studies

“…Theoretical models varied. Two of the studies (Sinclair et al, 1995;Cohen & Mannarino, 1992) used trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) model. Two more studies (Carbonell & Parteleno-Barehmi, 1999;MacKay, Gold, & Gold, 1987) used a psychodrama model.…”

“…Three studies involved outpatient treatment of girls referred by local child protective agencies (Lindon & Nourse, 1994;Kitchur & Bell, 1989;Baker, 1987). Three studies provided treatment to inpatient and residential clients (Verleur et al, 1986;Sinclair et al 1995;Kruczek & Vitanza, 1999). Cohen and Mannarino (1992) included girls referred while living in residential treatment facilities along with girls living at home and being seen on an outpatient basis.…”

“…Two of the studies reviewed (Sinclair et al, 1995;Cohen & Mannarino, 1992) used a trauma-focused CBT model. Much of trauma-focused group CBT as Group Treatment of Sexually Abused Adolescent Girls 319 described by Foy et al (2001) involves the telling and processing of group members' trauma stories, as well as cognitive restructuring around group members' perceptions of cause and effect and meaning in relation to their traumas.…”

Profil psychologique d’adolescentes agressées sexuellement et prises en charge par les services de la protection de la jeunesse

“…En effet, les adolescentes présentent en moyenne non seulement près de trois symptômes atteignant un seuil clinique, mais aussi de nombreuses autres difficultés psychologiques (par exemple, tentatives de suicide). Les symptômes pris individuellement sont souvent semblables et rarement plus sévères que ceux d'autres études utilisant les mêmes instruments de mesure (Atlas et Ingram, 1998 ;Fergusson et al, 1996 ;Kisiel et Lyons, 2001 ;Silverman et al, 1996 ;Sinclair et al, 1995 ;Swanston et al, 1999), mais force nous est de constater que le profil global incluant tous ces symptômes est largement plus sévère que ce que l'on retrouve en général dans la littérature (Kendall-Tackett et al, 1993).…”

Exploration of Recovery Trajectories in Sexually Abused Adolescents

“…Factors such as participation in psychotherapy have been related to symptom changes in SA children, both symptom improvement and, more rarely, deterioration (Bagley & LaChance, 2000;Berliner & Kolko, 2000;Finkelhor & Berliner, 1995;Oates et al, 1994;O'Donohue, 1992;Sinclair et al, 1995;Tourigny, 1997;Tourigny, Péladeau, & Doyon, 1993). Other factors, such as cooccurring physical abuse, have been related to poorer outcomes (Green, Russo, Navratil, & Loeber, 1999;Naar-King et al, 2002;Ruggiero, McLeer, & Dixon, 2000).…”