Meta-analysis of treatment for child sexual behavior problems: Practice elements and outcomes

This meta-analysis of 11 treatment outcome studies evaluated 18 specific treatments of sexual behavior problems ( SBP) as a primary or secondary target. Specifically, it examines relations among child characteristics, treatment characteristics ( including practice elements), and short-term outcome ( including sexual and general behavior problems). Utilizing pre- and postintervention results, the overall degree of change over the course of treatment was estimated at a 0.46 and 0.49 standard deviation decline in SBP and general behavior problems, respectively. As hypothesized, the caregiver practice element Parenting/ Behavior Management Skills ( BPT) predicted the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory ( and the Child Behavior Checklist when BPT was combined with caregiver Rules about Sexual Behaviors). In contrast, practice elements that evolved from Adult Sex Offender ( ASO) treatments were not significant predictors. BPT and preschool age group provided the best model fit and more strongly predicted outcome than broad treatment type classifications ( e. g., Play Therapy or Cognitive Behavior Therapy). Results question current treatments for children with SBP that are based on ASO models of treatment without caregiver involvement.