Impact of early intervention for youth with problematic sexual behaviors and their caregivers

Targeting broad implementation of early intervention services has a high potential for impact given the prevalence of child sexual abuse committed by youth and the low recidivism rate following effective interventions. This multisite quasi-experimental study examined the outcomes for 320 youth ages...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe journal of sexual aggression Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 4 - 15
Main Authors Silovsky, Jane F., Hunter, Michael D., Taylor, Erin K.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Routledge 02.01.2019
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
Abused children
Behavior modification
Behavior problems
Caregivers
Child abuse & neglect
Child sexual abuse
Children
Cognition & reasoning
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Early intervention
Emotional disturbances
intervention
Multiculturalism & pluralism
Prevention
Prevention programs
Problematic sexual behaviour
Psychological trauma
Psychotherapy
Quasi-experimental methods
Racial differences
Recidivism
Regional differences
Sex crimes
Sexual behavior
Trauma
Well being
Youth
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Summary:Targeting broad implementation of early intervention services has a high potential for impact given the prevalence of child sexual abuse committed by youth and the low recidivism rate following effective interventions. This multisite quasi-experimental study examined the outcomes for 320 youth ages 10-14 years and their caregivers who participated in community-based problematic sexual behavior - cognitive behavior therapy (PSB-CBT). Significant reductions in PSB with a large effect size (e.g. t(126) = 11.69, p < .001, d = 2.08) were found. No site differences were found, despite racial and regional diversity. Nonsexual behaviour problems, emotional problems, and trauma symptoms also significantly improved. Positive outcomes extended to caregivers. Recommended next steps include rigorous strategies for examining the impact of widespread implementation of evidence-based early intervention programmes on the prevention of sexual abuse, complemented with thoughtful efforts to develop and implement policies and procedures that improve the safety and well-being of all children in the community.
ISSN:1355-2600
1742-6545
DOI:10.1080/13552600.2018.1507487