Factors that Increase and Decrease Therapist Use of an Evidence-based Practice with Youth Victims of Commercial Sex Trafficking

Traumatic experiences occurring during childhood is an increasing public health concern. Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), which is the sexual abuse of a minor for economic gain, can be considered a complex trauma, as often this experience includes entrapment, isolation, frequent relocation, and prolonged physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. CSEC victims have a particularly high risk for negative mental health outcomes, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, which requires trauma-focused care. Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is the gold standard treatment approach for children and adolescents that have experienced sexual abuse. TF-CBT is an evidence-based practice designed to target negative mental health outcomes associated with traumatic experiences, including PTSD, depression and anxiety, and externalizing behavior problems. A network of highly trained therapists was established in Georgia to serve the CSEC population. The current research study examined responses from therapists following an advanced TF-CBT CSEC training workshop. A primary objective of this study was to assess needs identified by the providers while considering suggestions for improved applications of TF-CBT with CSEC clients. Results from this study reaffirm the benefits of using TF-CBT with CSEC clients, but emphasizes the need for additional TF-CBT CSEC-specific resources to be developed

Collecting Physiological Stress Measures in Research among High-Risk Parents for Child Maltreatment: A Qualitative Investigation

Background: Studies on evidence-based, behavioral training programs have shown a positive reduction in self-reported stress among parents at high risk of child maltreatment (CM). However, no known studies on these programs have examined physiological biomarkers for stress, such as impaired levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and telomere length. Further, no details are known regarding the feasibility of collecting biological markers from parents. This research examined qualitative findings from a multidisciplinary neurobiology and public health study that examined physiological responses to a six week, evidence-based, behavioral parenting program, among a maternal population at risk of CM perpetration in Atlanta, Georgia. Methods: Eighteen high-risk mothers were assessed at pre-intervention and post-intervention for parental stress and behavior (i.e., self-report, observational), and non-invasive physiological markers for cortisol, DHEA, and telomere length, Hormones were measured using two salivary methods, passive drool and Salivette swabs, as well as hair samples. Telomere length was assessed using cheek swabs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at baseline to examine the feasibility of collecting biological samples for parental stress research among a sub-sample of participants (n=13). Results: Early qualitative themes suggest interest in providing hair and cheek swab samples. Notable suggestions were made to improve saliva collection. Particularly, participants showed clear preference for swabbing methods over passive drool collection. Conclusions: These study findings add novel results to the parenting literature on parental stress and provide emerging evidence on parental willingness to engage in physiological research. Acceptance of collection methods encourages further examination of biomarker correlates using non-invasive and inexpensive methods in biobehavioral research

WebEase: Development of a Web-Based Epilepsy Self-Management Intervention

People with epilepsy must adopt many self-management behaviors, especially regarding medication adherence, stress management, and sleep quality. In response to the need for theory-based self-management programs that people with epilepsy can easily access, the WebEase Web site was created and tested for feasibility, acceptability, and usability. This article discusses the theoretical background and developmental phases of WebEase and lessons learned throughout the development process. The WebEase research team developed content for the Web site on the basis of social cognitive theory, the transtheoretical model of behavior change, and motivational interviewing. Formative research and development of the WebEase program included a literature search, computer use survey, a focus group, and review by content experts and consumers. The program has 2 main components: 1) the modules, which provide a tailored opportunity for learning, reflection, and goal setting, and 2) MyLog, a place to enter daily information

Preparatory and performance self-efficacy in athletes

The present study examines two subdivisions of general self-efficacy: preparatory self-efficacy, (the belief that you will be able to successfully complete a task) and performance self-efficacy (the belief held while accomplishing a task that it would be successful). These were examined as participants varying in athletic expertise performed two spatial imagery tasks while either being told or not that they were in competition with others completing the same tasks. Results indicated that preparatory self-efficacy was not affected by either engagement in the task or the perception of competition with others. However, for those who perceived they were competing with others, results indicated a relationship between general self-efficacy and performance self-efficacy. Contrary to extant research, there were no gender differences in the results, nor was there an expected relationship of changes in self-efficacy with athletic expertise. Based on these results, implications for future research include examining the contribution of overconfidence to preparatory and performance self-efficacy; people may believe that they can complete a task without having the necessary resources to do so effectively. People might better spend more time practicing tasks, despite feeling confident in their abilities

Preparatory and performance self-efficacy in athletes

The present study examines two subdivisions of general self-efficacy: preparatory self-efficacy, (the belief that you will be able to successfully complete a task) and performance self-efficacy (the belief held while accomplishing a task that it would be successful). These were examined as participants varying in athletic expertise performed two spatial imagery tasks while either being told or not that they were in competition with others completing the same tasks. Results indicated that preparatory self-efficacy was not affected by either engagement in the task or the perception of competition with others. However, for those who perceived they were competing with others, results indicated a relationship between general self-efficacy and performance self-efficacy. Contrary to extant research, there were no gender differences in the results, nor was there an expected relationship of changes in self-efficacy with athletic expertise. Based on these results, implications for future research include examining the contribution of overconfidence to preparatory and performance self-efficacy; people may believe that they can complete a task without having the necessary resources to do so effectively. People might better spend more time practicing tasks, despite feeling confident in their abilities

Collecting Physiological Stress Measures in Research among High-Risk Parents for Child Maltreatment: A Qualitative Investigation

Background: Studies on evidence-based, behavioral training programs have shown a positive reduction in self-reported stress among parents at high risk of child maltreatment (CM). However, no known studies on these programs have examined physiological biomarkers for stress, such as impaired levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and telomere length. Further, no details are known regarding the feasibility of collecting biological markers from parents. This research examined qualitative findings from a multidisciplinary neurobiology and public health study that examined physiological responses to a six week, evidence-based, behavioral parenting program, among a maternal population at risk of CM perpetration in Atlanta, Georgia. Methods: Eighteen high-risk mothers were assessed at pre-intervention and post-intervention for parental stress and behavior (i.e., self-report, observational), and non-invasive physiological markers for cortisol, DHEA, and telomere length, Hormones were measured using two salivary methods, passive drool and Salivette swabs, as well as hair samples. Telomere length was assessed using cheek swabs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at baseline to examine the feasibility of collecting biological samples for parental stress research among a sub-sample of participants (n=13). Results: Early qualitative themes suggest interest in providing hair and cheek swab samples. Notable suggestions were made to improve saliva collection. Particularly, participants showed clear preference for swabbing methods over passive drool collection. Conclusions: These study findings add novel results to the parenting literature on parental stress and provide emerging evidence on parental willingness to engage in physiological research. Acceptance of collection methods encourages further examination of biomarker correlates using non-invasive and inexpensive methods in biobehavioral research