Date of Publication

10-30-2023

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Psychology Major in Clinical Psychology

Subject Categories

Clinical Psychology

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Psychology

Thesis Advisor

Maria Caridad H. Tarroja

Defense Panel Chair

Ron R. Resurreccion

Defense Panel Member

Patricia D. Simon
Peejay D. Bengwasan

Abstract/Summary

Child sexual abuse (CSA) affects millions of adolescents worldwide. It is considered a developmental trauma and is highly associated with several negative outcomes such as trauma symptoms and difficulties in emotion regulation. Early interventions on CSA have been proven effective but also experience challenges such as unwillingness of the adolescent victims to engage in talk therapy, absence of a biological parent to attend the required sessions, and financial concerns. Other possible cost-effective and non-threatening alternatives are expressive arts interventions such as movement and dance. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of movement and dance in promoting positive outcomes on vulnerable populations. As such, this study aims to determine the impact of a movement-based intervention on the trauma symptoms and emotion regulation of adolescent victims of child sexual abuse. Paired samples analyses showed a significant decrease in trauma symptoms and difficulties in emotion regulation after the movement intervention among adolescent CSA victims in a residential center. The results emphasize the mind-body connection in trauma recovery. It also supports the polyvagal theory, which opens the door to the exploration and utilization of movement as treatment for trauma. Further studies are encouraged to conduct more rigorous research designs such as randomized controlled trials, and to evaluate its efficacy in other clinical populations.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Sexually abused children; Sexually abused teenagers

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Embargo Period

11-8-2024

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