NCT Number: NCT05608551
The study aims to investigate how the inclusion of an animal into a trauma-focused group therapy program (TF-CBT) affects therapy motivation of children and adolescents suffering from post-traumatic stress. 80 children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years are recruited for the study. Participants must have experienced at least one traumatic event leading to post-traumatic stress symptoms. Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups: animal-assisted trauma-focused therapy (AA TF-CBT) or standard trauma-focused therapy (TF-CBT). Parallel to the groups the parents/guardians of the participating children and adolescents take part in three parent meetings.
The results of the study help to gain insights into how the inclusion of animals in trauma-focused psychotherapy can contribute to children and adolescents attending therapy, being more motivated in therapy, and can successfully complete therapy.
Interested in participating?
Request Info9 year–17 year
All sexes
Interventional
Not applicable
University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Healthy volunteers accepted: No
Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.
Inclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria
Animal-assisted trauma-focused therapy (AA TF-CBT) is a specific form of trauma treatment, in which one or more animals are integrated into the therapy. AA TF-CBT follows a structured, standardized therapy manual.
Standard trauma-focused therapy (AA TF-CBT) is a standardized trauma therapy following a structured manual.
Time frame: before treatment (baseline), after 10 weeks of treatment (post-measurement), four weeks after treatment (follow-up)
Therapy motivation is assessed using the validated Situational Motivation Scale for Children (SMS-15, Skalski, 2019). The SMS-15 consists of 15 items answered with a 7 point likert scale. The total score equals the ratings of the 15 items on the scale. Higher scores mean a better outcome (increased motivation), lower scores mean a worse outcome (decreased motivation). The questionnaire assesses the motivation from the perception of the child.
Time frame: before treatment (baseline), after ten weeks of treatment (post-measurement), four weeks after treatment (follow-up)
Therapeutic alliance is assessed using the german adaptation of the "Therapeutic Alliance Scales for Children" (TASC)". The TASC consists of 12 items, answered with a 4 point likert scale. The total score equals the ratings of the 12 items on the scale. Higher scores mean a better outcome (increased alliance), lower scores mean a worse outcome (decreased alliance). The questionnaire assesses the therapeutic alliance from the perception of the child.
Time frame: before treatment (baseline), after ten weeks of treatment (post-measurement), four weeks after treatment (follow-up)
PTSD symptoms are assessed using the validated Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen 2 (CATS 7-17, Version 2.0; Sachser et al., 2022). The questionnaire consists of 20 items, answered on a 4 point likert scale. The total score equals the ratings of the 20 items on the scale. Higher scores mean a worse outcome (increased PTSD symptoms), lower scores mean a better outcome (decreased PTSD symptoms). The questionnaire assesses the PTSD symptoms from the perception of the child as well as from the caregivers perception.
Time frame: before treatment (baseline), after ten weeks of treatment (post-measurement), four weeks after treatment (follow-up)
Self-efficacy will be assessed via the validated Questionnaire on Resources in Child-/and Adulthood (FRKJ 8-16, Lohaus, Nussbeck, 2016). The questionnaire consists of 60 items answered on a 4 point likert scale. Higher scores mean a better outcome (increased self-efficacy), lower scores mean a worse outcome (decreased self-efficacy). The questionnaire assesses self-efficacy from the perception of the child.
Time frame: before treatment (baseline), after ten weeks of treatment (post-measurement), four weeks after treatment (follow-up)
Quality of Life is assessed using the validated Inventory for the Assessment of Quality of Life for Children and Adolescents (ILK, Mattejat & Remschmidt, 2006). The questionnaire consists of 9 items answered on a 5 point likert scale. Lower scores mean a better outcome (increased quality of life), higher scores mean a worse outcome (decreased quality of life). The questionnaire assesses quality of life from the perception of the child.
Time frame: four weeks after treatment at follow-up
Participants perception is assessed at follow-up using a semi-structured interview.
Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.
Karin Hediger, Prof. Dr.
CONTACT
(+41) 061 207 65 80
Wanda Arnskötter, MSc.
CONTACT
(+41) 61 207 65 83
University of Basel
Other
Effects of a Psychotherapy Group Program for Children and Adolescents With Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms
Acronym: AA TF-CBT
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View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.
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