An outcome study of Seeking Safety with rural community-based women.

Abstract

This pilot study investigated the impact of Seeking Safety (SS) on rural women with comorbid substance abuse and trauma problems. SS is an evidence-based, presentfocused therapy that provides coping skills and psychoeducation. Despite its demonstrated effectiveness, this is the first known study using SS with rural women. Investigating the efficacy of evidence-based treatments with rural populations is especially important because, compared with urban residents, they are more likely to meet criteria for comorbid mental illness and substance abuse, exhibit more severe symptoms of both disorders, but are much less likely to receive formal treatment. Such disparities highlight the need for effective treatments to enhance coping skills and reduce unsafe behavior within this population. Data were collected from 23 community-based rural women who voluntarily participated in SS treatment groups twice weekly (a total of 24 1.5-hr sessions were offered). The Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) was administered preand posttreatment. Results showed reductions on all 10 TSI subscales. Effect sizes were large across all subscales, except sexual concerns, which was medium to large. Our findings align with previous SS outcome studies, which report consistent positive results among vulnerable populations with trauma symptoms and substance abuse.