NCJ Number
242764
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 21 Issue: 6 Dated: November - December 2012 Pages: 665-683
Date Published
December 2012
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated and compared the effectiveness of three group interventions on trauma symptoms for children who have been sexually abused.
Abstract
This study evaluates and compares the effectiveness of three group interventions on trauma symptoms for children who have been sexually abused. All of the groups followed the same treatment protocol, with two of them incorporating variations of animal-assisted therapy. A total of 153 children ages 7 to 17 who were in group therapy at a Child Advocacy Center participated in the study. Results indicate that children in the groups that included therapy dogs showed significant decreases in trauma symptoms including anxiety, depression, anger, post-traumatic stress disorder, dissociation, and sexual concerns. In addition, results show that children who participated in the group with therapeutic stories showed significantly more change than the other groups. Implications and suggestions for further research are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.