NCJ Number
113766
Date Published
1988
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study tested the appropriateness of a treatment model for child sexual abuse victims that focused on the interaction of the child's development prior to the sexual abuse, the nature of the sexual contact, the manner in which the abuse was revealed, the reactions of family members, and treatment interventions.
Abstract
The research sample consisted of 156 children referred to the Family Crisis Program (FCP) of the Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston. The research determined the circumstances under which children were likely to be harmed by sexual abuse and whether psychotherapeutic intervention could reduce the risk of emotional harm. In an evaluation of treatment effectiveness, clinicians believed that 76 percent of the families experienced at least moderate benefits. The study found, however, that the greater the delay between the time families were referred to the program and the time they began treatment, the less likely they were to benefit from the intervention. Data collected from victims' families 1 to 2 years after referral showed a significant decrease in overall psychopathology and an increase in positive self-esteem at the conclusion of the followup study. Findings suggest that most families required additional services once initial intervention was concluded. 2 tables.