Desenvolvimento de uma intervenção psicoterápica para crianças vítimas de abuso sexual

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation was to develop, present and apply an individual psychotherapy protocol (PAPI) for victims of child sexual abuse (ASI). This work was divided into three chapters, initially contemplating a systematic review of interventions already performed with ASI children using the Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (CBT) approaches. The second chapter presents the detailed description of the care protocol emphasizing the theoretical and methodological procedures of its application that aim to identify, reduce or extinguish the undesirable behaviors resulting from sexual violence. The last chapter describes a case study of the application of PAPI in a 7-year-old female child who was the victim of intra-family sexual abuse. The application of PAPI to reduce isolation, inattention and anxiety behaviors has been described, as well as a reduction in the symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Therapy outcomes were measured by clinical perception and observation of behaviors in the therapist's session; as well as the parents' responses to the interviews and the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL). The data obtained indicate that there was reduction of cognitive (attention-related) and anxiety symptoms as reported by CBCL and parental perception. These results showed that PAPI is a promising tool for therapy in situations involving ASI and its consequences. However, because this is an initial study, it is suggested that more studies investigate the effects obtained in the use of the protocol adding a higher level of evidence to this practice.