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The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for Childhood Trauma: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) has emerged as a leading intervention for childhood trauma, aiming to address trauma-related symptoms and improve coping strategies in children and adolescents. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of TF-CBT in reducing trauma-related symptoms and improving overall functioning in youth with a history of trauma exposure. Through an extensive literature review, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of TF-CBT compared to control conditions (e.g., waitlist, treatment as usual, supportive therapy) in targeting trauma symptoms, including post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as treatment duration, therapist experience, treatment format (individual vs. group), and participant characteristics (e.g., age, type of trauma), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of TF-CBT for childhood trauma.
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References
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