This study examined tbe efficacy of a game-based cognitive-behavioral
group therapy program for addressing problems typically
found among elementary scbool-aged victims of child sexual abuse
immediately after treatment and at tbree months following treatment.
It was hypothesized that positive gains would be observed
among the following domains: (a) internalizing symptoms (e.g.,
anxiety, depression, and trauma); (b) externalizing bebaviors
(e.g., oppositional behavior, disobedience, and conduct disordered
bebavior); and (c) sexually inappropriate behaviors. Im.proved
knowledge of abuse and personal safety skills was also predicted.
Results indicated that game-based cognitive-behavioral group therapy
resulted in improvements in internalizing symptoms, externalizing
behavioral problems, total behavioral problems, and personal
safety skills botb immediately after treatment and at three-month
follow-up.
KEYWORDS child sexual abuse, group tberapy, developmentally
appropriate games, trauma, evidence-based practice, play therapy,
child maltreatment, outcome research