Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is one of the most traumatic and devastating crimes in society today. The writer maintains that although the intensity of its effects may diminish as a survivor works through the recovery process, the long-term effects of CSA may last forever and leave an impression on many aspects of a survivor's life. The writer points out that there are several psychological disorders linked to CSA and multitudes of different therapies and treatments for the effects felt by survivors. The writer concludes that hopefully, with direction, survivors of abuse can be led to a professional who will be able to help them manage their past issues, so as to help them function effectively in the present.
From the Paper "Studies have suggested that one in three girls in the United States will experience some form of sexual abuse by the age of eighteen. The effects of this abuse will be long-term and all encompassing. Often times the aftermath of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can lead to mental illness, binge eating disorders, and/or substance abuse. Once mental illness strikes in the life of CSA survivors, they must find ways to seek help out in the community, whether that is individual or group therapy or alternative forms of therapy. Although both males and females can be victims and perpetrators of CSA, for the purposes of this paper, victims will be referred to as female and perpetrators will be referred to as male, as is most often the case."
This paper explores several different types of therapy groups that have been created for CSA survivors under the premise that group therapy has been an effective form of treatment for other groups with PTSD.
Abstract The writer defines the terms, gives a history of successful group therapy situations and examines the proposal of group therapy for this population. The paper concludes that further research needs to be conducted surrounding the validity of using group therapy with this population, differences in outcome using different models of group therapy and the differences between individual and group therapy.
From the Paper "Another factor to consider when designing a group for CSA survivors is the amount of structure under which the group will operate. Mennen & Meadow (1993) believe structure is an especially important concern when dealing with this population due to the history of these clients. Many of their histories include an abuser who created and defined their reality and feelings, a situation that should not be recreated in the therapy group. An overemphasis on structure can lead the members into a dependent relationship with the group leaders in which the survivors wait for the therapists to define and direct the process of the group, rather than taking charge of their own recovery (Ettin, 1989). In defense of a structured format, it has been found that through structured exercises, common themes can be raised and explored in a way that has proven effective for other groups (Mennen & Meadow, 1993)."
Abstract This work discusses the subject of child sexual abuse (CSA) and serves as a review of literature, specifically one particular piece that deals with child sexual abuse. The literature is a contemporary research article involving the reporting of CSA and work ability and functioning as an adult. The work will briefly introduce the concepts of CSA and its controversies and commonalities and will then move on to review S. J. Lee and R.M. Tolman's 2006 article "Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adult Work Outcomes".
From the Paper "The development of tougher laws and responsibilities regarding the incidence of child sexual abuse has often been associated with an evolution in the ideas of the potential and real long term effects of child sexual abuse on victim survivors. (Najman, Dunne, Purdie, Boyle & Coxeter, 2005, p. 517) For many years there has been a research movement that attempted to demonstrate long lasting negative effects of CSA among adult survivors of CSA, to both underscore and under gird the need for tougher laws, greater enforcement and increased responsibility for reporting among professionals. In general the law has begun to demonstrate a zero tolerance policy regarding CSA and has increased and leveled out the sentencing of convicted offenders, through minimum mandatory sentencing. (Cassell, 2004, p. 1017) Changes in public opinion regarding CSA have had a significant impact on incidence reporting which in all accords has increased, creating a sense that incidence has increased substantially in the last 30 or so years. The claim that CSA has increased in incidence is therefore an unknown element of modern life, as we do not know if it has increased, decreased or leveled out at a norm, as reporting has spiked incidence to relatively epidemic like levels. (Bolen, 2003, p. 174) What we do know is that reports are increasing in number and that CSA occurs and it occurs frequently."
Abstract The paper explains that the sexual nature of child abuse can be termed into three areas: non-physical or non-contact, physical and violent. After providing a historical overview of child sexual abuse (CSA), the paper examines the factors preventing and promoting its occurance and indicators to look out for. Ethical considerations are discussed as well as intervention and treatment options and prevention efforts.
From the Paper "Child sexual abuse (CSA) is one form of child maltreatment that may indeed be the most devastating, and may occur in the context of other forms of child maltreatment such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. CSA has various definitions depending on the context it is being defined for and the society or community it is being defined in. Generally speaking however, CSA involves: "contact or interaction between a child and an adult when the child is being used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or another person. Sexual abuse may also be committed by a person under the age of 18 when that person is significantly older than the victim or when the perpetrator is in a position of power or control over another child" (Wurtele & Miller-Perrin, 1992, p. 5). The above definition applies to extrafamilial CSA (occurs outside the family, usually by acquaintances, but sometimes by strangers) as well as intrafamilial CSA (occurs within the family or incest)."
Abstract The paper defines child sexual abuse (CSA), its history, and treatment options. It also discusses several therapeutic models, specifically focusing on individual play therapy with children who have been traumatized by sexual abuse. Several theoretical frameworks in relation to play therapy are mentioned including Rogerian, cognitive-behavioral, developmental, and psychodynamic approaches. The diagnosis and assessment are discussed using projective techniques such as drawings and stories, and treatment goals are suggested through the use of a play therapy model. Last, the paper concludes with a case study, a tripartite crisis assessment, techniques and items to utilize in therapy and prognosis.
From the Paper "Child sexual abuse (CSA) is one form of child maltreatment that may indeed be the most devastating, and may occur in the context of other forms of child maltreatment such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. In fact, CSA may also be considered a form of emotional abuse in that, "sexual abuse is among the most potentially damaging sources of emotional distress in young children" (Gallo-Lopez, 2000, p.269). CSA has been defined differently within legal, medical, and social contexts. For the purposes of this paper, CSA in general is defined as: "contact or interaction between a child and an adult when the child is being used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or another person. Sexual abuse may also be committed by a person under the age of 18 when that person is significantly older than the victim or when the perpetrator is in a position of power or control over another child" (Wurtele & Miller-Perrin, 1992, p. 5). The sexual abuse and exploitation of children is not a new phenomenon. Within ancient times, "using children as sex objects was not only accepted but often encouraged by adults" and "participating in sexual activities with adults was not seen as wrong or harmful but as appropriate and even healthy for children" (Wurtele & Miller-Perrin, 1992, p.1). Glaser & Frosh (1993) suggest that "accusations of sexual abuse originating from children were interpreted either as maliciousness, or more commonly, as the product of the child's fantasy life" (ix, Introduction). During the Victorian Era, Freud started finding sexual abuse frequently among his psychologically troubled patients. However, doubting that incest could be that common, he concluded that the reported sexual activity had probably not really happened but was a fantasy connected with the developmentally important attraction that naturally occurs between daughter and father or son and mother. Freud's "Oedipus Complex" and the ?Electra Complex,? originally termed ?seduction theory,? was a widely accepted explanation of neurosis and hysteria during the 19th century (Thorman, 1983; Finkelhor, 1984)."
Abstract This paper examines how cost benefit analysis refers to the method by which organizations assess the outcome of various actions or projects and how it has often been projected as a useful measurement tool that allows accurate measurement of possible benefits, which are then compared with the costs to be incurred. It looks at how the tool is widely used by the corporate sector for business research. It summarizes one article in connection with cost benefits analysis in business research and sees how it can be applied in an organization or in personal lives. Jennifer Giacin, BS, CSA, in her article, "Cost Benefit Analysis and Business Research", discusses the increasing use of cost benefit analysis in the corporate sector, especially in the area of training programs, and also touches upon the merits and demerits of such actions.
From the Paper "Cost benefit analysis may sound like a scientific term that only few people can understand or implement, but the truth is that this method is regularly used by all of us in professional as well as personal lives. Whenever we are required to make a decision regarding something of importance, we weigh its possible pros and cons before taking the giant leap. Cost benefit analysis is part of human nature and thus consistently used by every rational person. In our personal lives, we encounter situations that require us to make some kind of investment whether emotional, financial or physical. But since these resources are important to us, we want to use them wisely and thus would assess the possible benefits of the action before making a decision."
Abstract Research has found that short-term, reality-based psychotherapies using cognitive or behavioral theories, focusing on changing an individual's thoughts in order to change his or her behavior and emotional state are both cost and outcome effective in cases of abuse, PTSD, etc. The purpose of this study proposal is to show that cognitive behavior therapy is the correct and more effective approach in treating distressed adolescents with a history of sexual abuse, with certain modifications of previous study designs.
Paper Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Specific Study Objectives
Methods
Discussion
References
From the Paper "The object of cognitive therapy is to make the patients aware of these distorted thinking patterns and change them. This process is called cognitive restructuring.(Enright, S 1997) This is followed by behavior modification,, helping individuals replace undesirable behaviors with healthier patterns. It is different from the previously common psychodynamic therapies used in cases of CSA that focused on uncovering or understanding the unconscious motivations that may lie behind the maladaptive behavior."
This paper is a feasibility study for Clinical Study Applications, Inc. regarding the need and benefits of real-time, instant messaging communications for use between CSA's offices in Arizona and Wisconsin.
Abstract This paper explains that instant messaging (IM) is an Internet protocol (IP) based application that provides convenient communication between people using a variety of different device types. The author points out that the most familiar IM today is computer-to-computer instant text messaging; but IM also can work with mobile devices, such as digital cellular phones, and can incorporate voice or video. The paper recommends that Clinical Study Applications, Inc., incorporate AOL Instant Messenger into its suite of software so that its two offices can communicate freely and frequently, reducing business expenses such as phone bills and travel costs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Technology
Potential Security and Abuse Issues
Recommendation
Conclusion
Instant Messaging Companies
From the Paper "Instant messaging can greatly facilitate the ease and speed of communication between employees, whether they are sitting next to each other, or if their offices are half a world apart. Small questions can be answered in real time, without tying up phone lines, writing extensive emails or arranging and conducting meetings. For people who travel frequently, instant messaging allows for almost constant and up to date contact between offices. The practical functionality of IM allows a person to view whether a person is even at his desk and available. Making good use of IM programs allows others to know where you are, what you might be doing or when you will be back, simply by glancing at a computer screen."
Abstract This paper analyzes American studies of child sexual abuse (CSA) in relation to later presentations of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD.) The paper offers a discussion of methods, sample groups and variables in relation to the assumption and includes a critical note on PTSD as unproven. The paper quotes the diagnosis referred to in each study as a verifiable condition if not a disease. The paper has a critical conclusion and a varied bibliography.
From the Paper "A meta-analytical paper discussing mainly North American studies of child sexual abuse (CSA) in relation to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), noting study design and findings, in contrast with non-abused subjects and persons of other psychopathology. Subjects are discussed by age group, race and sometimes, ethnicity, social class or education, but without reference to trans-cultural psychology or significant neuropsychology, or familial biological knowledge of mental disorder. Studies adhered to the model of PTSD without mention of its imperfections, as a psychiatric diagnosis, in keeping with more theory-driven approaches of American psychology."
Abstract This paper is a literature review which concentrates on the role of dialogic argumentation and it's paradoxical effects on generating higher levels of collaboration in both CSCL and CSA-based (common service architecture) online environments. The paper explains that dialogic argumentation has proven to be highly effective in teaching students how to be more capable of generating abstract thought and also taking historical constructs into the formation of entirely new reasoning and interpretation frameworks. The paper also points out that the use of scaffolding within CSCL teaching strategies has the potential of strengthening personalized learning strategies in addition to being a catalyst for more students gaining greater understanding of abstract concepts, thereby becoming more critical thinkers as a result. The paper then looks at the role of technology as an enabler of CSCL platforms and its influence on students' performance, motivation, and attitude.
Outline:
Introduction
Defining CSCL Learning Strategies Using Dialogic Argumentation
Developing Dialogic Argumentation as a Learning Strategy
Computer-Supported Collaboration Argumentation (CSCA) Effectiveness
The Paradox of CSCL Teaching Strategies: Argumentation Creates Collaboration
Creating Personalized Learning Strategies Using Scaffolding with CSCL Tools
Technology's Role as an Enabler of CSCL and Online Teaching Strategies
Implications of CSCL Strategies on Student Performance
Implications of CSCL Strategies on Student Attitude
Implications of CSCL Strategies on Student Satisfaction
Assessing CSCL Effectiveness as a Teaching Strategy
Summary
From the Paper "In the study the research issues of whether education was significantly contributing to the development of constructed-based learning in students showed that the attainment this level of academic performance was the exception versus the rule. The study began with the concept of students being able to understand the causal factors that lead to a more thorough understanding of history and its concepts. Dialogic approaches to teaching history need to include the how and why things happened in the past, identify what information is reliable, reflect on the information and make sound conclusions (Gagnon, 1989)."
