Game-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (GB-CBT) Group Program for Children Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse: A Three-Month Follow-Up Investigation |
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| Authors: | Craig Springer Justin R Misurell Atara Hiller |
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| Institution: | 1. Newark Beth Israel Medical Center , Newark , New Jersey , USA cspringer@barnabashealth.org;3. Newark Beth Israel Medical Center , Newark , New Jersey , USA;4. Rutgers University , New Brunswick , New Jersey , USA |
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| Abstract: | This study examined the efficacy of a game-based cognitive-behavioral group therapy program for addressing problems typically found among elementary school-aged victims of child sexual abuse immediately after treatment and at three months following treatment. It was hypothesized that positive gains would be observed among the following domains: (a) internalizing symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression, and trauma); (b) externalizing behaviors (e.g., oppositional behavior, disobedience, and conduct disordered behavior); and (c) sexually inappropriate behaviors. Improved knowledge of abuse and personal safety skills was also predicted. Results indicated that game-based cognitive-behavioral group therapy resulted in improvements in internalizing symptoms, externalizing behavioral problems, total behavioral problems, and personal safety skills both immediately after treatment and at three-month follow-up. |
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| Keywords: | child sexual abuse group therapy developmentally appropriate games trauma evidence-based practice play therapy child maltreatment outcome research |
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