Review of Creative and Traditional Therapies for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Loading...
Authors
Gillard, Cierra S.
Issue Date
2012
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The detrimental effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) profoundly impact the lives of
the victims, their families, and society as a whole. Symptoms related to CSA are many
and can be measured with a variety of tests. These symptoms include low self-esteem,
depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, somatization, dissociation, anxiety, among
others. Sexual abuse frequently breaks up or distances families, and victims often
contribute to the cycle of abuse (either by choosing an abusive spouse or abusing their
own children) as adults. Childhood sexual abuse is a serious issue in the United States
and abroad and must be addressed. This review of literature analyzes the history, the
advantages and disadvantages, and the measures used in therapies that target CSA
survivors. There are two broad therapy types: traditional and creative therapies. Of the
traditional therapies, this review will discuss cognitive behavior therapy, including
cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, and cognitive behavior processing.
Although cognitive behavior therapies have been very effective with adult survivors of
CSA, children and certain individuals may be better aided by a less verbal approach to
therapy. Of the creative therapies, a brief review of art therapy and a more extensive
review of dance therapy are presented. With the use of metaphor in both therapies, and
especially the body in dance therapy, those with underdeveloped or stunted cognitive
and/or verbal abilities may be more effectively treated with the creative therapies. After
examining studies and articles comparing these therapy types, weaknesses and
opportunities for further research is discussed.
Description
iv, 43 p.
Citation
Publisher
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.