Abstract
Although there is growing interest in evidence-based practice (EBP), the implementation of research into clinical practice is still underutilised (DiCenso, Guyatt & Ciliska, 2005; Rycroft-Malone & Bucknall 2010). One emerging method in clinical practice with child survivors of sexual abuse is trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT). This study aimed to systematically review the literature on TF-CBT work with child survivors of sexual abuse in an attempt to provide social work educators and practitioners with sufficient information about these treatments, which they can pursue in ongoing education and training
Highlights
There is general consensus amongst clinicians and researchers about the negative effects of child sexual abuse (CSA) on children’s psychological wellbeing and their development into adulthood
The objective of this review was to assess the efficacy of Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)) approaches when working with CSA, and to find evidence to either support or discard the use of TF-CBT and to answer the following research question: “What is the evidence base for TF-CBT work with child survivors of sexual abuse?”
WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE BASE FOR TF-CBT WORK WITH CHILD SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE? During the literature review phase of research for this article we found numerous authors who commend the effectiveness of TF-CBT to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related symptoms in CSA (Black, Woodworth & Tremblay, 2012; Holstead & Dalton, 2013; Vieth et al, 2012; MacDonald et al, 2012; Sigel et al, 2013; Murray et al, 2016)
Summary
There is general consensus amongst clinicians and researchers about the negative effects of child sexual abuse (CSA) on children’s psychological wellbeing and their development into adulthood. In metaanalyses on the prevalence of child sexual abuse around the world Stoltenborgh, Van Ijzendoorn, Euser & Bakermans-Kranenburg (2011) show that CSA is associated with a variety of problems in the short and the long term for both male and female victims. These can include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, behavioural problems, sexualised behaviours, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use, suicide attempts as well as being victims of adult rape (Cohen, Deblinger, Mannarino & Steer 2004; Padmanabhanunni & Edwards, 2016). Despite overwhelming evidence of the long-lasting consequences produced by childhood sexual abuse and the role trauma plays in causing this damage, the subsequent treatment of childhood trauma remains undeveloped in generalist social work practice
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
