The effectiveness of an intervention to reduce posttraumatic stress symptoms among girls in closed juvenile institutions.
L.E.W. Leenarts*, Th. Doreleijers, R.J.L. Lindauer, H.P.B. Lodewijks, R. Vermeiren (Duivendrecht, NL)
l.leenarts@debascule.com
Abstract
Background: Childhood traumatization is expected to have a significant impact on the development of psychopathy and antisocial and aggressive behavior in adulthood. Because 85% of delinquent girls in Dutch closed institutions is traumatized (e.g. physical, sexual or psychological) (Hamerlynck, 2008), it is interesting to investigate the effects of traumatreatment on this specific group. Since most of the girls have experienced accumulated childhood trauma and have multiple problems, stabilization is needed before the actually trauma-treatment can start. So because of that reason a stabilization course adapted for adolescents (translated by Dorrepaal et al. and based on the Affect Management Group Treatment by Zlotnick et al.) followed by Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) will be evaluated.
Method: A quasi-experimental design is used in this study. The experimental group consists of girls who have participated in the stabilization course (a weekly session for 20 weeks) followed by EMDR. The control group consists of girls who have received treatment as usual (TAU). Different waves of measurement will be used. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) is used to assess history of trauma and the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC) will be used to assess post traumatic stress outcomes.
Results: In September 2010, the preliminary results about the effect of the stabilization course will be available and will be presented.
Conclusion: The conclusion will be based on the preliminary results.