A comparative outcome study of behavioral group therapy for sexual assault victims

Thirty-seven rape victims completed a study comparing three types of group therapy: stress inoculation, assertion training, and supportive psychotherapy plus information. Thirteen participants comprised a naturally occurring waiting-list control group. The study consisted of six two-hour therapy sessions, plus assessment sessions pretherapy, posttherapy, and at three- and six-months follow-up. Assessment instruments included the Modified Fear Survey, SCL-90-R, Adult Self-Expression Scale, Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, Impact of Event Scale, and Emotion Theramometer. The latter two were used for self-monitoring during five-day periods pretherapy, posttherapy, and at six-months follow-up. MANCOVA and ANCOVA indicated that there were no interactions or group effects. There were sessions effects, significant improvement, on all of the measures. However, no improvements were found on any of the measures between the two pretreatment assessments of the waiting list group. These findings are discussed within the context of cognitive behavioral theories of fear. © 1988 Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author Patricia A. Resick Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neur ...