Trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy: Narratives of children and adolescents

Abstract

Repeated retelling of trauma narratives within Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) assists participants to habituate to experiences that have precipitated symptoms of post-traumatic stress. In this study, the narratives produced by children and adolescents, who developed post-traumatic stress disorder following a natural disaster, and who were treated with a manualized TF-CBT intervention, were examined. The first author developed a coding system utilizing three major concepts (coherence, elaboration, and evaluation) to identify changes in the narratives as they were retold at each therapeutic session. Analysis using this coding system identified that the internal logic of the stories was maintained as the detail diminished, and that the level of evaluation increased. Compression emerged as a major pattern, alongside the reduction in participant distress over the course of the treatment. Although requiring replication, these trial concepts, developed by the coding system, have potential analyzing trauma narratives and enhancing clinician observations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, Mater Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Release Date: 20170330. Publication Type: Journal (0100), Peer Reviewed Journal (0110). Format Covered: Electronic. Document Type: Journal Article. Language: EnglishMajor Descriptor: Cognitive Behavior Therapy; Life Experiences; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Adolescent Characteristics; Child Characteristics. Classification: Neuroses & Anxiety Disorders (3215); Cognitive Therapy (3311). Population: Human (10); Male (30); Female (40). Location: Australia. Age Group: Childhood (birth-12 yrs) (100); School Age (6-12 yrs) (180); Adolescence (13-17 yrs) (200). Tests & Measures: Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for Children DOI: 10.1037/t28577-000. Methodology: Empirical Study; Interview; Qualitative Study. References Available: Y. Page Count: 10. Issue Publication Date: Jan, 2017. Copyright Statement: The Author(s). 2016.Sponsor: Mater Hospital, Child Youth Mental Health Service, Kids in Mind Research. Recipients: No recipient indicated <br />Sponsor: Queensland Government, Child Health, Child Youth Mental Health Service, Australia. Recipients: No recipient indicated <br />