NCJ Number
118530
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1989) Pages: 164-184
Date Published
1989
Length
17 pages
Annotation
In a study of 51 previously abused women who entered therapy, ninety-two percent were found to have at least one form of mood disturbance such as low self-esteem, feelings of guilt and depressive episodes.
Abstract
The study hypothesized that these disturbances might arise from certain distorted beliefs that clients hold concerning their earlier sexual abuse. Some common self-blaming and self-denigratory beliefs were outlined. An intervention package that included cognitive restructuring procedures was accompanied by clinically and statistically significant improvements in the client's belief systems and the associated mood disturbances. Tables and 18 references. (Author abstract modified).