Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents with Problem Sexual Behaviors: Feasibility and...

While there are multiple risk factors associated with adolescent sexual violence perpetration, childhood trauma and adversity may be one of the most prominent factors. Trauma sequela including regulation deficits, trauma symptoms, and attachment-based disruptions may be key modifiable targets in interventions that aim to impact functional outcomes, yet treatment targets and philosophies of change are not always well defined or not robustly integrated into problem sexual behavior treatment programs for adolescents. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for problem sexual behaviors among adolescents (TF-CBT for PSB-A) has emerged as a new treatment option for adolescents with histories of victimization or adversity who may concurrently be at risk for or have detected PSB. This study explored the initial feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary promise in providing the enhanced TF-CBT for PSB-A in community-based and juvenile justice settings to youth and their caregivers. Results show feasibility and acceptability of this intervention but found notable readiness factors that warrant consideration. Results also demonstrated statistical significance and positive trends from pre-to post-test on treatment targets. This study offers promise for trauma-specific treatment services among youth and opportunities for strengthening training and implementation.