Abstract
Many studies have suggested a link between child sexual abuse (CSA) and adult psychopathology. Despite this apparent association and the high prevalence of CSA, there are few controlled studies in the CSA treatment outcome literature. The present investigation involved two single-case design studies which examined the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural treatments created to help adult women who experienced intrafamilial, c.ontact sexual abuse as children. In Study One, three women with general CSA sequelae took part in a standard cognitive behavioural treatment programme. Severity of CSA sequelae was measured by a weekly diary (Child Sexual Abuse Attitudes Scale - CSAAS) and monitored in a multiple baseline design. All three subjects evidenced a reduction in negative attitudes during the intervention phase. Two out of three women reported high end-state functioning on a battery of outcome measures. These gains were maintained at three month follow-up.
In Study Two, three women with specific CSA-related problems took part in individualised cognitive behavioural treatment packages. Problems included a touch phobia, negative sexual attitude, and negative view of self. Treatment progress was monitored using a Target Complaint Scale in AB single case designs with follow-up. All three women improved to clinically significant levels at postintervention and this gain was maintained at follow-up. Implications of the present studies and ramifications for future research are discussed. These fmdings provide preliminary support for the usefulness of cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of CSA sequelae.