Objective: Studies examining psychological trauma or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in ethnoracial or sexual minority groups are relatively few. The "Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology" recently published 4 articles (Balsam, Lehavot, Beadnall, & Circo, 2010; Harrington, Crowther, & Shipherd, 2010; Lester, Resick, Young-Xu, & Artz,…

Uses case vignettes to explore poetry as phenomenological access point to the world of the abused child, serving a threefold function: (1) a window into the child's world; (2) a way to track the abused child's progress along the recovery process; and (3) a tool for transforming abused children's worlds, by allowing them to find their own unique…

This exploration of the dynamics and developmental consequences of child abuse begins with a definition of child abuse and a discussion of child sexual abuse. After a description of the incidence of child abuse, the consequences of abuse--including health and emotional problems, and neuro-developmental disabilities--are discussed. Further…

This paper argues that insufficient attention has been paid to the psychological needs of physically maltreated children, who often require direct treatment for such problems as aggressive behavior, low self-esteem, and cognitive limitations. (DB)

Argues that incorporating the use of poetry writing into the clinical treatment of survivors of sexual abuse can be beneficial. Uses examples of such poetry to show how the creative writing of survivors reveals repressed information about their abuses, self-concepts, and about their basic beliefs in the areas of safety, trust, power, intimacy, and…

Current legal issues involved in cases against therapists working with child sexual abuse victims are reviewed. Changes in the legal climate over the past decade are described. Issues involved in the "false memory" attack are discussed. Techniques for risk management and the current situation in the media are discussed. (EMK)

This conference address examines the question of whether "memory work"--using therapeutic techniques to help clients recover suspected hidden memories of childhood sexual abuse--has led some clients to develop illusory memories or false beliefs. Prospective research on memory for childhood trauma indicates that the gist of traumatic…

Examines the strengths and weaknesses of two broad approaches to psychotherapy outcome research: (1) clinical trials methodologies; and (2) "naturalistic," descriptive methodologies. An example of an ongoing, naturalistic study of individual psychotherapy is provided. Discusses general methodological considerations that apply to both approaches.…

Methodological issues are addressed for those who design studies that evaluate treatment efficacy among sexual abuse victims. Two areas of integrated inquiry are needed: studies that seek to determine the degree to which early sexual trauma differs from other early trauma, and studies that seek to understand how well different interventions fit…

The recovery process for victims of childhood incest is a dynamic one that involves integration of traumatic material into the personality. Reliably and validly measuring the coping or recovery process that is facilitated by therapeutic interventions is a first step in understanding the treatment process and in creating effective and efficient…

Discusses the work of the bibliotherapeutic technique to treat physically and sexually abused children. The client's psychological stages in the process of bibliotherapy are summarized. Criteria are presented for selecting books and 10 appropriate books are synopsized. Limitations of the technique are discussed. (CB)

A developmental dialectical approach to understanding and working with lower and middle class damaged parents--those identified as abusive and neglectful--has specific features and implications. The approach suggests that (1) the personality characteristics and interpersonal relations of parents are inseparable from their social conditions; (2)…

Explores the relationship between child abuse and neglect and loneliness by developing implications of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders III-Revised category of dependent personalities. Argues that behavioristic treatment plans are inadequate for child abuse because this dysfunction derives from dependent personalities who…

Since children who have been abused much of their lives may be unaware that what is happening is unusual, it may be necessary for teachers to take the initiative in educating young children to recognize that abuse is not normal and to talk with someone if and when they realize they are a victim. This education can take place through the use of…

This paper examines the relevance of social structure, in terms of class, race, and gender, in the lives of damaged parents of low power positions who abuse or neglect their children. The predominant view in the understanding and treatment of abusive parents stresses the parent's poor childhood experiences and the "intergenerational…