Traumatic stress and psychological adjustment in treatment-seeking women sexually abused in childhood: a follow-up.
The objective of this study was to assess post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological distress, and risk factors among women sexually abused in childhood (CSA) after six months in therapy. Thirty in-treatment CSA survivors reported their abuse history and filled out several questionnaires. Comparisons were made to a non-CSA in-treatment sample. Although, 50% of the CSA women still had PTSD, there was a remarkable decrease in PTSD symptoms (Cohen's d= 1.06). A considerable change in self-worth and in attachment styles was found. It was concluded that CSA survivors benefit much from 6 months of weekly treatment. However, it is recommended that treatment should continue for a still longer period.
Elklit
Ask
A
Department of Psychology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus C, Denmark. aske@psy.au.dk
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003419:Crisis Intervention; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008016:Life Change Events; D008875:Middle Aged; D009769:Object Attachment; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy; D011594:Psychometrics; D012649:Self Concept; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult