The Impacts of TF-CBT for Child and Adolescent Survivors of Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review

Abstract

**Please note that the full text is embargoed until 08/01/2025** The purpose of this systematic review is to expand on previous literature by examining the treatment impacts of TF-CBT on the specific population of child and adolescent survivors of sexual abuse. The review analyzed peer-reviewed journal articles from the years of 1991-2023. Using the software tool Covidence, 551 studies were initially imported, following thorough review by the first author, the final sample consisted of 16 studies. The results of the review are presented in three categories: studies without comparison groups, studies with comparison groups, and studies analyzing treatment components. All three categories reported significant improvements for outcome measures such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, shame, sexualized behavior, and others. The results indicate that TF-CBT has positive treatment impacts, including improvement in PTSD scores, symptom reduction for anxiety and depression, and behavioral improvement. In addition, TF-CBT was found to be effective for vulnerable populations that have survived CSA. Given the limitations of the studies, further research should be conducted. This systematic review concluded with policy and clinical implications for TF-CBT with survivors of CSA.