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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore the effectiveness of group therapy in preventing future offenses among men incarcerated for child sexual abuse. Participants will either receive standard treatment or attend a 32-week group therapy program. The study focuses on the therapy's impact on factors contributing to criminal behavior and the overall process of implementing this intervention. Men serving time in Minnesota correctional facilities for certain offenses and assessed as at moderate to high risk of reoffending may be eligible to participate. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could shape future rehabilitation programs.

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 prior data suggests that group therapy is safe for participants?

Research has shown that participants generally receive group therapy well. It can help reduce feelings of secrecy, shame, and stigma, which are common among those with a history of abuse. This makes group therapy a supportive environment for people dealing with serious personal issues.

The sources provided do not indicate any serious negative effects specific to group therapy. This suggests that group therapy is a safe way to address complex personal issues, such as those related to child sexual abuse. Participants often find the setting supportive and beneficial for their mental health.

The study is in the "Not Applicable" phase, focusing on understanding the therapy's practicality rather than testing its safety. This usually indicates that group therapy is considered safe enough for widespread use outside of clinical trials. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this group therapy approach for child sexual abuse prevention because it offers a structured, supportive environment that differs significantly from traditional one-on-one therapy sessions. Unlike the usual treatment methods, which often focus on individual therapy, this group therapy provides peer support and shared experiences, which can be incredibly empowering and healing for participants. By engaging participants in a 32-week program, the therapy aims to foster a sense of community and collective resilience, which can enhance the healing process and potentially lead to more lasting outcomes.

What evidence suggests that group therapy might be an effective treatment for child sexual abuse prevention?

Research has shown that group therapy, which participants in this trial may receive, can help address issues related to child sexual abuse. One study found that individuals in group therapy experienced less depression and trauma and improved self-esteem. Another study discovered that group sessions for parents enhanced their perspectives on preventing child sexual abuse. Group therapy also reduces the secrecy, shame, and stigma often associated with a history of childhood sexual abuse. These findings suggest that group therapy could benefit adult men who have committed child sexual abuse, potentially aiding in their rehabilitation and prevention efforts. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Michael Miner, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

University of Minnesota

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

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The results showed that the training program improved the attitude of parents toward child sexual abuse prevention.

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Group treatments for patients with a history of childhood sexual abuse may have therapeutic advantages. The secrecy, shame, and stigma that are the legacies of ...

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We aimed to study the effectiveness of CSA prevention programs on the knowledge acquisition based on comparing pre- and post-treatment changes.

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Parent-Focused Sexual Abuse Prevention

This study tested whether a child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention program, Smart Parents-Safe and Healthy Kids (SPSHK), could be implemented as an additional ...

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The most effective approaches for CSA prevention are to: 1) educate parents, caregivers, and children about bodies and safety behavior and 2) empower children.

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Promoting Resilience in Child Sexual Assault Survivors

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is a psychotherapy treatment that is often used with child sexual assault (CSA) survivors. Psychotherapists.