Child Abuse Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Child Abuse, including details on family violence, examinations, long-term effects, psychiatrics disorders.

The use of clarification sessions in the treatment of incest victims and their families: an exploratory study.

Demaio CM, Davis JL, Smith DW

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA.

The "clarification session" has been implicated as an important component of the treatment of families affected by incest. On the basis of information presented in clinical literature, however, the specific nature of this intervention varies widely. This exploratory study examined the practices and attitudes regarding clarification sessions of select members of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers. Surveys were completed by 483 members. Results indicated that approximately 77% of respondents had experience in conducting clarification sessions. The top two reported reasons for conducting clarification sessions were for the perpetrator to assume all responsibility for the abuse and to decrease the level of self-blame of the victim. The majority of respondents concurred that several activities needed to occur prior to the clarification session, whereas less consensus was indicated for activities that were deemed essential during the clarification session. Respondents' practices, attitudes, and beliefs are discussed in terms of the current state of limited, empirically based knowledge in this area. Directions for future research are suggested.

Published 13 July 2006 in Sex Abuse, 18(1): 27-39.
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