title: Posttraumatic stress disorder and social support in female victims of sexual assault: the impact of spousal involvement on the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
abstract: The goal of this study is to enhance the efficacy of CBT with victims of sexual assault suffering from PTSD by getting the spouse involved. Thus, in addition to attempting to reduce PTSD symptoms, the therapy focuses on improving the support offered by the spouse and favors management of the impact of the traumatic event within the couple. A single-case, multiple-baseline across-subjects design is used. Three victims of sexual assault with a diagnosis of PTSD participated in the study. Results at posttreatment and at 3-month follow-up are promising. None of the participants presents a diagnosis of PTSD, and all report a significant improvement in their satisfaction with the support received from their spouses.
authors.affiliation: Trauma Study Center, Centre de Recherche Fernand-Seguin of Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital, Université du Québec à Montréal. valeriebillette@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Valérie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Billette
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guay
authors.forename: André
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marchand
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000379:methods; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011902:Rape / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*