A multi-modal pilot intervention with violence-exposed mothers in a child psychiatric trauma-focused treatment

Joan A Kearney1, Erin Cushing

  • 1Columbia University School of Nursing, 617 West 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA. jak2165@columbia.edu

This multi-method pilot study implemented a relationally-based intervention with mothers of school-aged children receiving treatment for exposure to domestic violence. Grounded in psychodynamic and attachment theories, the short-term intervention consisted of targeted individual and group sessions. Quantitative as well as qualitative data were examined for trends and exemplars of important process outcomes. Improvements were evidenced in a number of key areas including psychiatric symptoms, isolation, defensive avoidance, coping skills, attributional style, and reflective functioning. Results converged to portray improved functioning in critical areas of dysfunction often displayed by these mothers.

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