Date of Award
5-2010
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Program
Applied Developmental Psychology
Department
Psychology
Major Professor
Weems, Carl
Second Advisor
Frick, Paul J.
Third Advisor
Martel, Michelle M.
Fourth Advisor
Laird, Robert
Fifth Advisor
Varela, R. Enrique
Abstract
Youth traumatized by natural disasters report high levels of posttraumatic stress as well as other types of impairing emotional distress symptoms (e.g., anxiety and depression) for many years post-trauma. Implementing school based screening and treatment programs for these youth eliminates barriers to traditional treatment settings and may provide symptom relief. The current study examines the feasibility of conducting school-based trauma-focused treatment program in the wake of disaster. Idiographic evaluation of the treatment process is incorporated into the treatment evaluation through use of multiple baseline design. Youth reporting at least severe levels of posttraumatic stress on the PTSD-RI were recruited for an expanded assessment and treatment (youth ages 8-13; N=6). Treatment (i.e., the StArT program) consisted of 10-weekly individual sessions during which different cognitive behavioral components were introduced. Youth were assessed at pre-treatment, weekly during treatment, and at post-treatment. Quantitative and qualitative findings relative to youth responses to intervention are presented and discussed in terms of the feasibility of conducting treatment in school settings and in terms of individual difference factors contributing to treatment responses. Findings from this study suggest the feasibility of school based interventions through the aid of school counselors and integration of treatment sessions into the school schedule. Youth responses to the intervention were very positive, point toward the efficacy of a disaster trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (the StArT program), and help to highlight particularly useful modules in youth.
Recommended Citation
Taylor, Leslie Katherine, "The Feasibility and Idiographic Evaluation of School-Based Trauma-Focused Intervention Services in the Wake of Disaster" (2010). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 1151.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/1151
Rights
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