Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Interventions in Reducing Externalizing Behaviors Among Traumatized Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Shan Jiang, Yuhang Cheng, Wenjie Qian et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether trauma-focused interventions reduce externalizing behaviors among traumatized adolescents. It included 12 studies with 1251 participants and pooled results using a random-effects model. Across the included studies, interventions such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative exposure therapy, prolonged exposure, MASTR/EMDR, and cognitive processing therapy were associated with a significant reduction in externalizing behaviors (SMD = -0.70, 95% CI [-0.98, -0.41], Z = 4.74, p < .001). Subgroup analyses identified age, intervention duration and method, participant number, and setting as factors influencing effectiveness.
Key findings
- Across 12 studies involving 1251 participants, trauma-focused interventions reduced externalizing behaviors (SMD = -0.70, 95% CI [-0.98, -0.41], Z = 4.74, p < .001).
- Subgroup analyses identified adolescent age, intervention duration and method, participant number, and intervention setting as factors influencing effectiveness.
Why it matters
Externalizing behaviors are a prevalent concern among traumatized adolescents, yet they have received less attention than PTSD, depression, and anxiety in evaluations of trauma-focused care. The pooled result suggests these interventions may also address behavioral outcomes, broadening the outcomes considered when assessing support for this population.
What to keep in mind
The review pooled only 12 studies, and subgroup analyses identified several factors influencing effectiveness; the abstract does not provide details on the studies’ designs or the robustness of subgroup findings.