Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Outcome studies of sexual abuse group treatment for children and adolescents were eligible if they met the following inclusion criteria:
they were designed to examine the effectiveness of a group treatment for sexually abused children or adolescents;
their results were based on empirical measures; and
they reported sufficient statistical information for the calculation of appropriate effect size estimates.
Specific interventions included in the review
The interventions were a combination of the following: group and individual psychotherapy; drama therapy; integrated therapy; cognitive-behavioural therapy; play therapy; art therapy; role play; problem-solving; puppet work; writing exercises; and behaviour management.
Participants included in the review
Children between the ages of 2 and 18 years, who were participating in group treatment for sexual abuse, were included.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The outcome measures were general psychological distress, internalising symptoms, externalising symptoms, sexual behaviours, self-esteem, and knowledge of sexual abuse or prevention.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors do not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the authors performed the selection.