Group therapy for women sexually abused as children: Social interaction, adjustment, and relationships before and after group therapy

Abstract

Forty-five female outpatients sexually abused in childhood were offered a two-year-long trauma-focused group therapy. Questionnaires were given before and after treatment concerning social interaction (ISSI), social adjustment (SAS-SR), perceived family climate (Family Climate Test, Questions of Family Members). Both the level of social interaction and social adjustment were significantly improved after treatment. There were no significant changes in family climate except for the expressed emotion subscale perceived criticism in relation to the partner that showed a reduction. We conclude that trauma-focused group therapy seems to be useful in improving the relationships and social life of women who were sexually abused as children. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.