N/A N=33 Randomized Single-blind Treatment

Integrating Animal-Assisted Therapy Into Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Maltreated Youth

Child Abuse · Posttraumatic Stress

Bottom Line

View on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03135119 ↗

Enrolled (actual)

Serious AEs

0.0%

Results posted

May 2022

Primary outcome: Primary: Change in Scores on the UCLA Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index — 44.63; 39.5; 22.64; 35.85 units on a scale

Study Design & Population

Study type: Interventional
Phase: N/A
Interventions: TF-CBT (Behavioral); TF-CBT+AAT (Behavioral)
Age: Pediatric · 6+ yrs
Sex: All
Sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Primary completion: Mar 2020

Outcome Measures

Outcome	Result	p-value
PRIMARY Change in Scores on the UCLA Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index	44.63; 39.5; 22.64; 35.85	—
SECONDARY Change in Scores on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Emotional Symptoms Subscale	6.5; 7.65; 4.0; 5.08	—
SECONDARY Change in Scores on the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders	39.64; 35.47; 25.45; 31.62	—
SECONDARY Change in Scores on the Moods and Feelings Questionnaire	9.13; 8.88; 5.91; 8.85	—

Summary

This study will examine the incremental benefit of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) as an adjunct intervention when combined with Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for the treatment of maltreated youth. In addition, the development of therapeutic rapport and the intensity of stress experienced during treatment sessions will be examined as mediational mechanisms of treatment outcome. This project will help determine whether a larger study to test the beneficial effects of AAT for maltreated youth is feasible and warranted.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

A caregiver willing to participate with the youth
An allegation of child maltreatment investigated by child protective services (CPS) or the police
A raw score of ≥ 39 (borderline or clinical elevation) on the caregiver- report version of the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for the DSM-5.

Exclusion Criteria

Severe developmental delays and/or psychiatric problems that necessitate a higher level of care for the child. An allegation of child maltreatment investigated by child protective services (CPS) or the police
Intellectual deficits for the child (IQ < 80 on a cognitive screener)
Caregiver inability to complete assessment measures due to psychiatric, cognitive, or other limitation
The available caregiver is suspected or known to have perpetrated maltreatment
A fear of dogs, a dog allergy, or any prior history of aggression toward animals for the child and/or caregiver

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03135119). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.