Reducing substance use risk and mental health problems among sexually assaulted adolescents: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

• DOI: 10.1037/a0028862
• Publication Date: 2012-06-11T20:39:29Z
• Authors: Carla Kmett Danie...; Michael R. McCart; Kate Walsh; Michael A. de Are...; Deni White; Heidi S. Resnick
• Keywords: Male; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Adolescent; Substance-Related Disorders; Mental Disorders; Sexual Behavior; Pilot Projects; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 5. Gender equality; Risk Factors; Rape; Humans; Family Therapy; Female

The current study reports results from a pilot randomized controlled trial evaluating the feasibility and efficacy of Risk Reduction through Family Therapy (RRFT) for reducing substance use risk and trauma-related mental health problems among sexually assaulted adolescents. Thirty adolescents (aged 13–17 years; M=14.80; SD=1.51) who had experienced at least one sexual assault and their caregivers were randomized to RRFT or treatment as usual (TAU) conditions. Participants completed measures of substance use, substance use risk factors (e.g., family functioning), mental health problems (i.e., posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and general internalizing/externalizing symptoms) and risky sexual behavior at four time points (baseline, post-treatment, and 3- and 6-month follow-up). Mixed-effects regression models yielded significantly greater reductions in substance use, specific substance use risk factors, and (parent-reported) PTSD, depression, and general internalizing symptoms among youth in the RRFT condition relative to youth in the TAU condition. However, significant baseline differences in functioning between the two conditions warrant caution in interpreting between-group findings. Instead, emphasis is placed on replication of feasibility findings and within-group improvements over time among the RRFT youth.