Animal-assisted Trauma-focused Therapy for Children and Adolescents
Effects of a Psychotherapy Group Program for Children and Adolescents With Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms
University of Basel
80 participants
Oct 1, 2022
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The study aims to investigate how the inclusion of an animal into a trauma-focused group therapy program (TF-CBT) affects therapy motivation of children and adolescents suffering from post-traumatic stress. 80 children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years are recruited for the study. Participants must have experienced at least one traumatic event leading to post-traumatic stress symptoms. Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups: animal-assisted trauma-focused therapy (AA TF-CBT) or standard trauma-focused therapy (TF-CBT). Parallel to the groups the parents/guardians of the participating children and adolescents take part in three parent meetings. The results of the study help to gain insights into how the inclusion of animals in trauma-focused psychotherapy can contribute to children and adolescents attending therapy, being more motivated in therapy, and can successfully complete therapy.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria7
- Age between 9 and 17 years
- experienced a traumatic event
- remembers at least one traumatic event
- Suffering from posttraumatic stress symptoms (screened via the CATS-2; cut-off ≥ 21; cut-off must be reached by either participant or caregiver)
- Basic knowledge of child and parents in German to be able to understand content of the session and to fill in questionnaires
- Informed consent (given by legal guardian for participants younger than 14 years)
- Positive or neutral attitude towards animals
Exclusion Criteria7
- Inability to complete questionnaires due to lack of language skills or cognitive impairment
- Diagnosed autism spectrum disorder; Exclusion only if interaction with others and group ability is limited due to autism
- Reported significant impairment or safety issue (e.g., active suicidal ideation, acute psychosis)
- Known abuse of substances used for emotion regulation (e.g. cannabis, alcohol, other hard drugs)
- Fear of domestic animals
- Allergic reactions to domestic animals
- Reported aggressive behavior towards animals in the past
Interventions
Animal-assisted trauma-focused therapy (AA TF-CBT) is a specific form of trauma treatment, in which one or more animals are integrated into the therapy. AA TF-CBT follows a structured, standardized therapy manual.
Standard trauma-focused therapy (AA TF-CBT) is a standardized trauma therapy following a structured manual.
Locations(2)
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NCT05608551