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MULTI-DIMENSIONAL MODEL OF GROUPWORK FOR ADOLESCENT GIRLS WHO HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ABUSED

NCJ Number
148159
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1994) Pages: 341- 348
Author(s)
J Lindon; C A Nourse
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The authors describe a treatment approach for sexually abused girls using a groupwork model.
Abstract
The approach incorporated a skills component (anxiety control through relaxation, assertiveness training, goal setting, social skills training, problemsolving); a psychotherapeutic component (recognition of feelings, development of ego strength, identification with others, peer relationships); and an educative component (information on issues relating to sexuality, self-protection). Six girls, aged 13 to 17, who had been sexually abused, were assessed at the beginning and end of a 6-month period that included 16 group therapy sessions, each focusing on a specific theme related to sexual abuse. All of the girls showed improvements in self-esteem and confidence; increased ability to talk about problems and express feelings appropriately; increased ability to trust; decreased anxiety or increased ability to manage anxiety; improvements in peer and family relationships; and decreased feelings of guilt and shame connected to their abuse. 2 tables, 15 references