Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Sexually Abused Children

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Child sexual abuse is a highly prevalent societal problem that cuts across all ethnic, racial, educational, and socioeconomic groups. There has been mounting empirical evidence for the efficacy of manual-based, cognitive behavioral treatment(CBT) for sexually abused children. Therefore, the aim of this review was to address the rationale and efficacy of CBT for sexually abused children, and to introduce a broad outline of a typical CBT program for young people suffering the emotional and behavioral consequences of sexual abuse. METHODS: A selective literature review was undertaken. RESULTS: To date, trauma-focused CBT is the most effective treatment for the sexually abused child. The rationale and efficacy of CBT was reviewed and a typical CBT program was outlined session by session. CONCLUSION: Based on trauma-focused CBT for sexually abused children, the results demonstrate the need for future development of a standard CBT program for the Korean population.