Yale University

An evidence-based group coping intervention for women living with HIV and history of childhood sexual abuse.

TitleAn evidence-based group coping intervention for women living with HIV and history of childhood sexual abuse.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsPuffer, Eve S., Arlene Kochman, Nathan B. Hansen, and Kathleen J. Sikkema
JournalInternational journal of group psychotherapy
Volume61
Issue1
Pagination98-126
Date Published2011 Jan
ISSN1943-2836
KeywordsAdaptation, Psychological, Adult, Child, Child Abuse, Sexual, Cognitive Therapy, Female, HIV Infections, Humans, Middle Aged, Psychotherapy, Group, Risk-Taking, Stress, Psychological, Treatment Outcome, Women
AbstractWomen living with HIV/AIDS and a history of childhood sexual abuse often exhibit sexual trauma symptoms and elevated rates of HIV-risk behaviors. In this paper, we describe a coping skills group intervention that reduced traumatic stress and sexual-risk behavior in a recent randomized clinical trial. We focused on clinical issues that emerged among female participants receiving the intervention. Clinical observations showed that recognizing connections between trauma, psychological distress, and high risk behaviors was a new and powerful experience for many participants. Participants successfully applied psychoeducational material, expressing an increased sense of power and control over their relationships and behaviors as they developed more adaptive cognitive and behavioral skills. Women expressed high levels of satisfaction with the intervention. Recommendations for clinical practice are provided.
DOI10.1521/ijgp.2011.61.1.98
Alternate JournalInt J Group Psychother

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