Abstract
The perspectives of at-risk adolescent clients can play an important role in informing treatment services. The current study examines qualitative interview data from 15 young women with histories of maltreatment. Using a semi-structured qualitative interview approach, we asked the women to think retrospectively about their treatment experiences as adolescent girls. Results highlight the need for providing adolescent girls with reliable and practical information about risky sexual behavior and drug use from relatable and trustworthy helping professionals. We discuss strategies for developing and maintaining trust and delivering specific content.
Highlights
Childhood maltreatment is associated with an elevated risk of adolescent drug use and risky sexual behavior [1]
Both adolescents and adults with histories of maltreatment are more likely to have sex while drinking or using drugs, which often results in unprotected casual sex—leading to sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies [2,3,4]
Several evidence-based treatment programs have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the probability of adolescents with histories of maltreatment engaging in drug use and risky sexual behavior [8]
Summary
Childhood maltreatment is associated with an elevated risk of adolescent drug use and risky sexual behavior [1]. Both adolescents and adults with histories of maltreatment are more likely to have sex while drinking or using drugs, which often results in unprotected casual sex—leading to sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies [2,3,4]. One area that has received little attention in developing and refining treatment programs is the importance of directly soliciting clients’ opinions and input [9]. Hodgetts and Wright [10] argue that researchers cannot fully understand the impact of treatment without learning about and incorporating the clients’ experiences and perspectives
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