Browsing by Author "Talvitie, Emma"

Study objectives: The efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy based interventions in treating sexually abused children and adolescence is examined in this meta-analysis . Sexual abuse of minors is a serious issue with severe short and long-term consequences on physical and mental health. Previous reviews have shown cognitive behavioural therapy treatments to be effective in treating sexually abused children and adolescence. This meta-analysis adds latitude to this field of study by including more recent studies that have been excluded from earlier reviews. Methods: In all of the studies included all the participants were under 18, they have been sexually abused and they have received cognitive behavioural therapy treatment. Studies were researched through two different databases using different keywords and references of the previous meta-analyses were checked. 18 studies fitting the criteria were found. For each study one effect size, Cohen’s d, were calculated. In the meta-analysis random effects model were used and studies were weighted by variance. Heterogeneity of the studies was examined with Q-test and publication bias with Funnel plot and Fail -safe N-test. Results and conclusions: Cognitive behavioural therapy based interventions are effective. The average effect size was d=0.67 and it was statistically significant. The included studies were heterogeneous and affected by publication bias. The results support the use of these kinds of interventions in treating sexually abused minors.