![Psychological Science Faculty Publications and Presentations](../../assets/md5images/ba43edc9880eebd3ff7a844b24ba1eca.jpg)
Psychological Science Faculty Publications and Presentations
Implementation of an Evidence-Based Psychotherapy for Trauma-Exposed Children in a Lower-Middle Income Country: the Use of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in El Salvador
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2021
Abstract
Central American youth are at a high risk for experiencing trauma and related psychosocial problems. Despite this, few studies of evidence-based trauma-focused interventions with this population exist. The objective of this project was twofold: 1) to train providers in El Salvador in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) as part of a clinical implementation project within a non-governmental organization, and 2) to conduct program evaluation to determine the feasibility of implementation and the effectiveness of the treatment. Fifteen Salvadoran psychologists were trained in TF-CBT who then provided TF-CBT to 121 children and adolescents ages 3-18 in community-based locations. The mean number of traumas reported by youth was 4.39. Results demonstrated large effect sizes for reduction in youth-reported trauma symptoms (Cohen's d = 2.04), depressive symptoms (Cohen's d = 1.68), and anxiety symptoms (Cohen's d = 1.67). Our program evaluation results suggest that it was feasible to train providers in TF-CBT, that providers were in turn able to deliver TF-CBT in community-based settings, and that TF-CBT was an effective treatment option to address trauma-related concerns for youth in El Salvador. This project is an important first step in the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based trauma-focused treatment for youth in Latin American countries.
Recommended Citation
Stewart, R. W., Orengo-Aguayo, R., Villalobos, B. T., Nicasio, A. V., Dueweke, A. R., Alto, M., Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & de Arellano, M. A. (2020). Implementation of an Evidence-Based Psychotherapy for Trauma-Exposed Children in a Lower-Middle Income Country: the Use of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in El Salvador. Journal of child & adolescent trauma, 14(3), 433–441. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-020-00327-9
Publication Title
Journal of child & adolescent trauma
DOI
10.1007/s40653-020-00327-9
Comments
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020.