Optimal Treatment Strategies for Sexually Abused Children

This study aims to: (1) examine the differential effects of CBT with and without trauma narrative interventions; (2) examine the comparative efficacy of brief and extended (8 vs. 16 sessions) individual CBT; (3) make developmental comparisons between 4-7 year olds and 8-11 year olds as to the appropriateness and therapeutic necessity of exposure interventions and longer treatment; and (4) identify child and parent factors that may significantly mediate the relationships between treatment conditions and outcomes. The findings of this study will help establish clinical as well as developmental markers for the early identification of sexually abused children who may require more focused (i.e., including trauma narrative) and/or longer treatment to achieve optimal outcomes.

Participants will receive 8 sessions of TF-CBT with abuse-focused treatment.

Participants will receive 8 sessions of TF-CBT with brief coping skills treatment.

Participants will receive 16 sessions of TF-CBT with extended abuse-focused treatment.

Participants will receive 16 sessions of TF-CBT with extended coping skills treatment.