Group Therapy for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention

Overseen By Alexandra Hanson

Age: 18+

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Minnesota

Disqualifiers: Major mental disorders, Intellectual disability, Others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 32 weeks

32 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the idea that Group Therapy for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention is an effective treatment?

The available research shows that group therapy can be effective for those who have experienced child sexual abuse. For example, one study found that teenage girls who participated in group therapy showed significant improvements in dealing with stress, behavior problems, and their relationships compared to those who did not receive the therapy. Another study compared group therapy to individual therapy and found that both were effective, but group therapy provided additional benefits by allowing participants to share experiences and support each other. These findings suggest that group therapy can be a valuable treatment option for survivors of child sexual abuse. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Group Therapy for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention?

Research shows that group therapy can significantly help sexually abused teenagers by reducing symptoms like stress and behavior problems, and improving coping strategies and relationships. Additionally, group therapy has been found helpful for women with a history of sexual abuse, suggesting it can be an effective treatment for survivors. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for group therapy in preventing child sexual abuse?

The research indicates that group therapy, including systemic and analytic group psychotherapy, is generally beneficial for adults with a history of childhood sexual abuse. Studies have explored the effectiveness and feasibility of group treatments, such as the 'Women's Safety in Recovery' group, which focuses on trauma recovery and life stressor management. Additionally, activities and games used in group therapy for sexually abused children are discussed, highlighting both benefits and risks. However, specific safety data is not detailed in the abstracts provided. ^{3 5 6 7 8}

Is group therapy safe for people with a history of childhood sexual abuse?

Research indicates that group therapy for individuals with a history of childhood sexual abuse is generally safe. Some studies have discussed the benefits and risks of using specific activities and games in therapy, suggesting that while there are benefits, potential risks should be considered. ^{3 5 6 7 8}

Is Group Therapy a promising treatment for preventing child sexual abuse?

Yes, Group Therapy is a promising treatment for preventing child sexual abuse. It helps children who have been sexually abused by providing a supportive environment where they can share their experiences and feelings. This treatment allows them to work through their trauma, regain a sense of power, and improve their self-esteem. Group Therapy also helps children learn important skills and provides a space for healing and understanding. ^{9 10 11 12 13}

How is group therapy unique for preventing child sexual abuse?

Group therapy is unique because it uses the power of group dynamics to help children process their experiences, providing a supportive environment where they can share and understand their feelings. This approach focuses on listening to the underlying messages in children's actions and encourages healing through shared experiences, which might not be possible in individual therapy. ^{9 10 11 12 13}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This is a feasibility study designed to inform the development of a multinational study of the effectiveness of a tertiary prevention program for child sexual abuse. This study targets adult men who have engaged in child sexual abuse, and will be implemented within the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Data will include measures of the implementation process, short-terms changes in criminogenic factors, and staff and participant factors that could influence outcomes.

Research Team

Michael Miner, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

University of Minnesota

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adult men over 18 who are serving time in Minnesota Department of Corrections facilities for first, second, or third-degree Criminal Sexual Conduct with victims under 14 years old and are at moderate to high risk of reoffending.

Inclusion Criteria

I am male.

I am serving time for a sexual offense involving a victim under 14.

People who are considered likely to commit another crime based on an assessment done by the Minnesota Correctional System will not be allowed to participate.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a 32-week group therapy program targeting criminogenic factors and other relevant outcomes

32 weeks

Weekly group therapy sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in criminogenic factors and other outcomes post-intervention

1 week

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Group Therapy

Trial Overview The study is testing the effectiveness of a tertiary prevention program aimed at preventing further child sexual abuse. Participants will receive either treatment as usual or group therapy within the MnDOC system.

Participant Groups

Group I: Intervention arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

32-week group therapy

Group II: Control group Active Control 1 Intervention

Treatment as Usual

Group Therapy is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Group Therapy for:

• Tertiary prevention of child sexual abuse

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Minnesota

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,459

Recruited

1,623,000+

Findings from Research

A study involving 32 women showed that a new group treatment model for sexual abuse survivors was significantly more effective in reducing depression and anxiety compared to individual therapy alone, with improvements measured after 10 to 12 weeks.

While both groups experienced decreases in depression and trauma symptoms, the treatment group demonstrated a statistically significant greater improvement in these areas, highlighting the potential benefits of group therapy in conjunction with individual therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The efficacy of group treatment for survivors of childhood abuse. Westbury, E., Tutty, LM.[2019]

Group psychotherapy significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms in 47 women with a history of sexual abuse, with improvements noted as early as the 6th session and lasting up to six months after treatment.

Participants identified existential factors, group cohesiveness, and universalism as the most helpful aspects of therapy, while higher dissociative symptoms at baseline were linked to poorer treatment response but greater session attendance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group psychotherapy in women with a history of sexual abuse: what did they find helpful? Sayın, A., Candansayar, S., Welkin, L.[2014]

In a study of 86 adult women who experienced childhood sexual abuse, both group therapy and individual therapy were effective in reducing symptoms and improving psychosocial functioning after 10 sessions, with continued improvement noted at 6- and 12-month follow-ups.

Neither therapy type was found to be superior, indicating that both approaches can be beneficial, but about half of the participants still sought additional treatment, suggesting a need for more targeted or longer-term therapy for some individuals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A comparison of short-term group and individual therapy for sexually abused women. Stalker, CA., Fry, R.[2017]

A group therapy program for teenage girls who experienced child sexual abuse showed significant improvements in various areas, including post-traumatic stress and behavior problems, after an average of 20 weekly sessions.

The therapy also enhanced coping strategies, mother-daughter relationships, and feelings of empowerment, indicating its effectiveness in supporting recovery for sexually abused teenagers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of a group therapy for sexually abused adolescent girls. Tourigny, M., Hébert, M., Daigneault, I., et al.[2015]

The Women's Safety in Recovery group, which included 48 women with a history of childhood sexual abuse, showed significant improvements in distress levels compared to the treatment-as-usual group of 38 participants, both at discharge and six months later.

The study demonstrated the feasibility of conducting abuse-focused group therapy, with 82% of eligible patients agreeing to enroll and an average attendance of ten group meetings, indicating strong engagement in the treatment process.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of group treatment for women with a history of childhood sexual abuse. Talbot, NL., Houghtalen, RP., Duberstein, PR., et al.[2007]

In a study involving 151 women with a history of intrafamilial child sexual abuse, both analytic and systemic group psychotherapy improved quality of life and reduced psychological distress, but systemic therapy showed significantly better outcomes.

The study indicates that while both therapies are beneficial in the short term, systemic group psychotherapy is statistically and clinically superior to analytic therapy, highlighting the need for further research on long-term effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Outcome of systemic and analytic group psychotherapy for adult women with history of intrafamilial childhood sexual abuse: a randomized controlled study. Lau, M., Kristensen, E.[2019]

Group psychotherapy for sexually abused children can effectively incorporate games and activities, such as prevention films and role plays, to address trauma and promote healing.

While these therapeutic tools can provide significant benefits in facilitating discussion and expression, there are also potential risks that clinicians must consider when implementing them.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Activities and games for group psychotherapy with sexually abused children. Celano, MP.[2019]

The 'Women's Safety in Recovery' group therapy model is designed specifically for inpatients and partial hospital patients with histories of childhood sexual abuse, focusing on trauma recovery and coping with current life stressors.

This therapy consists of three flexible one-week modules that allow patients to join or leave at any time, incorporating psychoeducation, problem-solving skills, and supportive discussions to enhance recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Women's safety in recovery: group therapy for patients with a history of childhood sexual abuse. Talbot, NL., Houghtalen, RP., Cyrulik, S., et al.[2004]

Group psychotherapy is crucial for the treatment of sexually abused children, addressing unique dynamics such as feelings of powerlessness and dependency that arise from their traumatic experiences.

The article highlights specific defensive responses, like denial and emotional isolation, that can complicate group therapy, and provides insights into the themes and interventions used throughout the treatment process.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group psychotherapy with sexually abused boys: dynamics in interventions. Zamanian, K., Adams, C.[2019]

Group therapy is a preferred treatment for children who have been sexually abused, but understanding the dynamics and processes within the group is crucial for its effectiveness.

By focusing on the underlying messages of children's actions and responding appropriately, therapists can enhance the healing process, making structured activities more impactful and leveraging the group's collective power for recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Harnessing the power of the group for latency-aged sexual abuse victims. Heiman, ML., Ettin, MF.[2019]

The article highlights the creation of a structured group therapy format specifically designed for sexually abused pre-adolescent and young adolescent girls, addressing their unique developmental challenges and emotional struggles.

Participants in the group reported that the therapy was helpful, suggesting that structured group formats can effectively support the mental health needs of sexually abused children and encourage further development of such therapeutic services.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sexual abuse and group therapy. Gilbert, CM.[2022]

Group therapy is crucial for the healing of sexually abused children, as it allows them to express and process their traumatic experiences through projective identification, where their feelings are projected onto the group leaders.

Effective group leadership involves setting boundaries on abusive behaviors, while also providing empathy and support, which helps children reintegrate their experiences and reduces the likelihood of them repeating abusive patterns in relationships.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group therapy with sexually abused boys: leadership, projective identification, and countertransference issues. Schacht, AJ., Kerlinsky, D., Carlson, C.[2019]

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for mothers of young children who experienced sexual abuse led to greater reductions in intrusive thoughts and negative emotional reactions compared to supportive therapy, indicating its efficacy in addressing maternal mental health.

Children who received cognitive behavioral therapy showed significant improvements in body safety knowledge compared to those in supportive therapy, highlighting CBT's effectiveness in enhancing children's understanding of safety skills.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparative efficacies of supportive and cognitive behavioral group therapies for young children who have been sexually abused and their nonoffending mothers. Deblinger, E., Stauffer, LB., Steer, RA.[2018]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The efficacy of group treatment for survivors of childhood abuse. [2019]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group psychotherapy in women with a history of sexual abuse: what did they find helpful? [2014]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A comparison of short-term group and individual therapy for sexually abused women. [2017]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of a group therapy for sexually abused adolescent girls. [2015]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of group treatment for women with a history of childhood sexual abuse. [2007]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Outcome of systemic and analytic group psychotherapy for adult women with history of intrafamilial childhood sexual abuse: a randomized controlled study. [2019]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Activities and games for group psychotherapy with sexually abused children. [2019]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Women's safety in recovery: group therapy for patients with a history of childhood sexual abuse. [2004]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group psychotherapy with sexually abused boys: dynamics in interventions. [2019]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Harnessing the power of the group for latency-aged sexual abuse victims. [2019]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sexual abuse and group therapy. [2022]

12. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group therapy with sexually abused boys: leadership, projective identification, and countertransference issues. [2019]

13. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparative efficacies of supportive and cognitive behavioral group therapies for young children who have been sexually abused and their nonoffending mothers. [2018]