Project Summary

Carla Kmett Danielson, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2005) of the Medical University of South Carolina, proposes studying the effectiveness of a family therapy program to prevent sexually assaulted adolescents from developing the depression and trauma that can arise from the terrible experience. Research has shown that sexually assaulted adolescents are at risk of psychological, social and physical problems, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The goal of the project goal is to evaluate the efficacy of Risk Reduction through Family Therapy (RRFT), an early intensive intervention for sexually assaulted adolescents that utilizes an ecological approach to reduce risk for severe mental illness and substance abuse. Forty, 12- to 14-year-old adolescents who report having been sexually assaulted and have a memory of the assault will be recruited from community-based clinics specializing in the assessment and treatment of sexual and physical assault victims and their families. A randomized controlled trial will compare adolescents receiving RRFT with those who receive standard care in the community. Dr. Danielson hypothesizes that adolescents receiving RRFT will have fewer symptoms and better family functioning at the post-treatment and follow-up assessments than adolescents who do not receive the intervention.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS AREAS\PTSD/Unipolar

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