Treatment outcome research with the non-offending parents of sexually abused children: a critical review

J Child Sex Abus. 2004;13(2):59-84. doi: 10.1300/J070v13n02_04.

Abstract

Potentially deleterious effects arise from the experience of childhood sexual abuse, but maternal supportiveness has been identified as a crucial mediator. Consequently, a body of knowledge has begun to develop on interventions designed to improve the supportiveness and adjustment of the non-offending parent. The present paper attempts to provide a critical review of the treatment outcomes reported for these new interventions. Studies have been organized according to the sexually abused child's stage of development: preschool, school-aged, and adolescence. Recommendations for service delivery and research follow.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology
  • Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / therapy*
  • Child Behavior / psychology
  • Child Psychiatry / methods
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / etiology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome