Meta-Analysis of Treatment for Child Sexual Behavior Problems: Practice Elements and Outcomes

Abstract

This meta-analysis of 11 treatment outcome studies evaluated 18 specific treatments of sexual behavior problems (SBP) as a primary or secondary target. Specifically, it examines relations among child characteristics, treatment characteristics (including practice elements), and short-term outcome (including sexual and general behavior problems). Utilizing pre- and postintervention results, the overall degree of change over the course of treatment was estimated at a 0.46 and 0.49 standard deviation decline in SBP and general behavior problems, respectively. As hypothesized, the caregiver practice element Parenting/Behavior Management Skills (BPT) predicted the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory (and the Child Behavior Checklist when BPT was combined with caregiver Rules about Sexual Behaviors). In contrast, practice elements that evolved from Adult Sex Offender (ASO) treatments were not significant predictors. BPT and preschool age group provided the best model fit and more strongly predicted outcome than broad treatment type classifications (e.g., Play Therapy or Cognitive Behavior Therapy). Results question current treatments for children with SBP that are based on ASO models of treatment without caregiver involvement.

Violences sexuelles à l’adolescence : constats et réflexions. Analyse de la population adolescente reçue pour suspicion de violences sexuelles à l’unité médico-judiciaire de Paris

“…La décla-ration auprès des autorités implique une information publique, tant à l'entourage qu'à la société. La crainte du jugement, dans une société renvoyant des images masculines fortes et viriles, pourrait en partie expliquer cette sous-représentation [20].…”

What Happened to Eric? The Derailment of Sexual Development

“…The best efficacy was found in short-term outpatient treatment, especially CBT and psychoeducational interventions with caregiver involvement (Amand et al, 2008;Carpentier et al, 2006;Cohen & Mannarino, 1997;Deblinger, Stauffer, & Steer, 2001;Silovsky et al, 2007).…”

“…The treatment must be broad enough to address the needs of children with SBP who do not have a history of sexual abuse. Furthermore, treatment should be developmentally sensitive and consider the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral capacities of young children (Amand et al, 2008;Chaffin et al, 2006;Silovsky, 2009).…”

“…Family and parent involvement is crucial in the treatment of children with SBP and can include individualized safety plans (Amand et al, 2008). Silovsky and Letourneau (2008) pay homage to Friedrich, long-time assessor of child abuse, particularly sexual abuse.…”

“…Studies show that sexually abusive behavior patterns evidenced in childhood do not necessarily continue into adulthood (Chaffin et al, 2008;Hershkowitz, 2011). Researchers have argued that sexually offensive behavior can be treated using a number of therapeutic modes (Amand, Bard, & Silovsky, 2008;Chaffin et al, 2008;Chaffin & Bonner, 1998;Rasmussen, & Miccio-Fonseca, 2007). Current research presents evidence that after receiving appropriate treatment, children with SBP have no greater long-term risk for committing future sexual offenses than other clinical child populations (Carpentier, Silovsky, & Chaffin, 2006).…”