Abstract
BackgroundHigh rates of attrition from child trauma-focused treatment are a significant barrier to mitigating children's trauma-related difficulties. Nonetheless, to date, only one study has investigated child-reported posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in relation to dropout from trauma-focused therapy and the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters remain unexamined. ObjectiveThe present study sought to determine whether higher levels of child-reported PTSS, as well as the specific DSM-IV PTSD symptom clusters, predicted attrition from trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Participants/setting/methodOne hundred and seventy one children ages 7–18 (M = 11.76, SD = 2.71; 67.4% female; 55.8% Black) were included in the study from an archival database. Dropout was investigated by two operational definitions: 1) clinician-rated dropout, and 2) whether the child received an adequate dose of treatment (i.e., 12 or more sessions). ResultsSixty eight percent (68.4%) of the children prematurely terminated treatment per their clinician, yet 70.2% received an adequate treatment dose. Child's age and income were related to clinician-rated attrition, but PTSS did not correspond with either attrition definition. None of the PTSD symptom clusters were associated with clinician-rated dropout; however, higher levels of avoidance symptoms were tied to increased likelihood of the child receiving an adequate dose of treatment. ConclusionFrom a public health perspective, it is encouraging that children who are reporting higher levels of PTSS may not be at greater risk for attrition.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call