Citation

Bowland S, Edmond T, Fallot RD. Soc. Work 2012; 57(1): 73-82.

Affiliation

Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292, USA. sharon.bowland@louisville.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, National Association of Social Workers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

22768630

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an 11-session, spiritually focused group intervention with older women survivors (age 55 years and older) of interpersonal trauma (child abuse, sexual assault, or domestic violence) in reducing trauma-related depressive symptoms, posttraumatic stress, and anxiety. Forty-three community-dwelling women survivors of interpersonal trauma were randomized into treatment (n = 21) or control (n = 22) groups. Participants in group psychotherapy discussed spiritual struggles related to abuse and developed spiritual coping resources. The treatment group had significantly lower depressive symptoms, anxiety, and physical symptoms at posttest compared with the control group. In a separate analysis, posttraumatic stress symptoms also dropped significantly in the treatment group. Gains were maintained at three-month follow-up. This study provides strong initial support for the effectiveness of spiritually focused group intervention for older survivors of interpersonal trauma from a Christian background.

Language: en