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The development and initial evaluation of project SAFE: A group treatment for sexually abused children and their non-offending parents
Abstract
This dissertation describes the development of Project SAFE, a new parallel group treatment program for sexually abused children and their non-offending parents. Project SAFE (Sexual Abuse Family Education) was conceived and developed at the University of Nebraska to provide improved group treatment services to families who are dealing with the sexual abuse of a child. At the same time, this program was developed as a research forum to further investigate and understand the issue of child sexual abuse. This dissertation describes the development of Project SAFE's standardized treatment protocol, treatment manual, and battery of assessments. An initial effort to evaluate this treatment program was conducted. With the assistance of five families, this study investigated the integrity and practicality of the Project SAFE procedures, the treatment's effectiveness, and the social validity of the treatment. Overall, the results indicated strong inter-rater agreement and integrity ratings for Project SAFE's two treatment groups. The program's treatment modules were cohesive, easily executed, and well-received by group members as evidenced by the strong treatment practicality ratings. The preliminary evaluation of treatment effectiveness yielded variable results, but reductions in child externalizing behaviors, enhanced parenting competence, and improved family functioning were found. The social validity assessment indicated that the treatment goals, procedures, and outcomes were acceptable, relevant, and helpful to the families. The strengths and limitations of this dissertation were discussed and recommendations for programmatic improvement were offered.
Subject Area
Psychotherapy|Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Behaviorial sciences|Welfare
Recommended Citation
Futa, Kristine Toshiko, "The development and initial evaluation of project SAFE: A group treatment for sexually abused children and their non-offending parents" (1998). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9902957.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9902957