Abstract:

Abuse experienced during childhood, whether it is emotional, physical, sexual, or economic, has an impact on an individual’s mental well-being. Those who experience these abuses may develop multiple psychopathologies simultaneously, with the most common psychopathology observed being Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Particularly, children who experience physical and sexual abuse are at a higher risk of developing this disorder. The aim of this study is to explore effective, evidence-based, and up-to-date psychological treatments for individuals who develop PTSD due to the abuse endured during childhood. Proven intervention techniques for individuals developing PTSD as a result of sexual abuse are Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Skills Training in Affect and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR), Emotion-Focused Therapy for Trauma (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Imagery Rescripting (IR).

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