Review of Child abuse: New directions in prevention and treatment across the lifespan.

Reviews the book, Child abuse: New directions in prevention and treatment across the lifespan by David A. Wolfe, Robert J. McMahon, and Ray DeV. Peters (see record 1997-30225-000). This edited book offers a diverse collection of chapters that describe innovative approaches to the treatment and prevention of child physical and sexual abuse. Readers can peruse contributions from leaders in the field that depict recent efforts to address the complexity of these problems. This book is a valuable addition to the libraries of researchers, clinicians, and students who are interested in issues related to the treatment and prevention of the physical and sexual abuse of children. It will be especially useful to those already acquainted with the characteristics and consequences of child abuse, who will find their understanding of this topic broadened by its contributions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sexual abuse victimization and the child witness in Canada: Legal, ethical, and professional issues for psychologists.

The Canadian legal system has made a number of significant reforms in the last few decades regarding the rights of child witnesses and, in particular, the rights of those who have disclosed sexual abuse. This paper provides an overview of the law in Canada as it pertains to child sexual abuse victims and witnesses, and reflects on the role and responsibilities of psychologists who work with child witnesses. It reviews the effects of protection reforms and preparation programs on children who must testify, examines some of the current major issues in the research literature in the area of interviewing and assessing sexually abused children, and considers the role of the psychologists as expert witness in court. In addition, it discusses potential ethical dilemmas for psychologists who work with child witnesses, and proposes recommendations for research and clinical practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Neuropsychological assessment and the school-aged child: Issues and procedures.

Reviews the book, Neuropsychological assessment and the school-aged child: Issues and procedures edited by G. W. Hynd and J. E. Obrzut (1981). The editors of this book have attempted to examine the issues related to the assessment of children with possible neuropyschological disorders. Each chapter is presented with the assumption that a neuropsychological perspective is germane to our understanding of children's cognitive functions. The compilation of knowledge and skills are presented in a clear and comprehensible language for individuals with very little familiarity with the subject. Each of the four major sections of the book addresses a particular topic. Section I presents a neuropsychological perspective of children's learning problems. Section II contains three chapters that examine general issues in child neuropsychology. Section III of the book focuses on neuropsychological assessment approaches useful in developing remediational strategies for children's learning disorders. The final section of this book addresses the neuropsychological implications within the educational setting. The editors have done a commendable job in integrating the diverse nature of human cognitive functioning and in focusing in on the neuropsychological aspects of school age children's learning. Their choice of contributors and the topics covered will certainly make this book a valued asset in the school psychologist's library. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Impact of a clinician's sexual abuse history, gender, and theoretical orientation on treatment issues related to childhood sexual abuse.

This study examined the impact of childhood sexual abuse history (CSA), gender, and theoretical orientation on treatment issues related to childhood sexual abuse. A survey of 501 clinicians found that 32% reported CSA histories. Sexually abused therapists were more likely to report some countertransference issues, especially boundary issues, than nonabused therapists, but gender differences were more important in determining differences in clinical practice. Female clinicians reported that CSA was more difficult to treat, that they screened more regularly for CSA, and that they utilized more coping strategies than male clinicians. Dissimilarities were also found between self-identified feminist therapists and psychoanalysts in their clinical practices, including the use of personality disorder diagnoses, reported countertransference issues, and coping strategies. Greater recognition of these issues in training programs is recommended. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Handbook of treatment for eating disorders.

Reviews the book, Handbook of treatment for eating disorders (2nd ed.) edited by David M. Garner and Paul E. Garfinkel (see record 1997-08478-000). In this book, the editors state that their primary goal is to present treatment approaches in sufficient detail that clinicians can conduct therapy of these disorders. A strong research base undergirds each chapter, filled with extensive case illustration and practical approaches, directed toward the practicing clinician. With new as well as revised chapters, this book consists of five major sections. The first, "The Context for Treatment," describes the history of eating disorders, focusing on Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. The second, and most coherent, section focuses on cognitive-behavioral and educational approaches. A conglomeration of approaches based on other theoretical perspectives appears in the third section, entitled "Psychodynamic, Feminist, and Family Approaches." In the fourth section, issues around inpatient, partial hospitalization, and drug therapies are reviewed. A final, catch-all section covers special topics, including comorbid histories and conditions (sexual abuse, substance abuse, and medical issues), diagnostic concerns (personality disorders), alternative treatments (group, self-help), treatment dilemmas (treatment refusal in anorexia nervosa), age considerations (prepubertal eating disorders), and binge-eating disorder. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Mental disorder in Canada: An epidemiological perspective.

Reviews the book, Mental disorder in Canada: An epidemiological perspective edited by John Cairney and David L . Streiner (see record 2010-14072-000). This book includes 20 chapters organized into six sections. In short, it reviews and summarizes Canadian population level research on mental disorders. While it is obvious the topic is important, a book focused on epidemiological research seemed like it would be more of a valuable resource than a stimulating read. In their introduction, some of the editors’ comments are consistent with the reviewers initial speculation, but there is also passion in their writing and they clearly state a more ambitious goal of showcasing Canadian contributions to psychiatric epidemiology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of AIDS and alcohol/drug abuse: Psychosocial research.

Reviews the book, AIDS and alcohol/drug abuse: Psychosocial research, edited by Dennis G. Fisher (1991). Substance use, primarily intravenous drug use, accounts for an increasingly large proportion of new acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases. As such, psychosocial research in the addictions plays an important role in evaluating strategies for reaching out to and educating those at risk for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and in developing effective prevention and risk-reduction strategies for this special population. This book is thus a timely contribution to the field. The seven brief chapters in this volume cover an extremely broad range of topics related to the relationship between AIDS and substance abuse. On the whole, however, the chapters in this volume are strikingly uneven in their sophistication and degree of relevance to the general psychologist working in addictive behaviors. Whereas some of the chapters are too brief to fully explore the implications of some of the issues they raise, the brevity of others is appropriate. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Treatment of childhood disorders, 3rd edition.

Reviews the book, Treatment of childhood disorders, 3rd edition edited by Eric J. Mash and Russell A. Barkley (see record 2006-05090-000). This is an impressive compilation of chapters by distinguished authors in their respective fields, covering the major domains related to common childhood psychopathology, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder, fear and anxiety, depression, mental retardation, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, physical abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, substance use, and eating disorders. This landmark book, now in its third edition, provides the current state of knowledge about treatment intervention within these domains. This pioneering book continues to represent a major (and highly successful) undertaking to synthesize the wide literature base of treatment for common childhood disorders. Its ability to parsimoniously convey extensive information in a manner that is easily accessible to readers facilitates the advancement of treatment for childhood psychopathology by transferring treatment knowledge from the research laboratory to the clinical office. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The colors within: One rainbow reclaimed.

Reviews the book, The colors within: One rainbow reclaimed by Jana Adams (2006). In this book, the author uses an illustrated fairy tale to depict the recovery process of one abused child as she navigates the complex journey into adulthood. Vivid metaphors, compelling language, and powerful images that capture both the fundamental loss experienced by an abused child and her gradual restoration of an integrated sense of self comprise this beautifully written book. Touching on the many challenges faced by survivors of childhood abuse, Adams provides a picture that trauma clinicians will recognize as an accurate characterization of the issues often confronted by the patients they treat. The unique value of this book lies in its potential as a therapeutic tool to help patients process traumatic experiences related to abuse. It will be of interest to any clinician who seeks to understand trauma from a nonacademic perspective and aspires to utilize a creative form of treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Drinking and driving: Advances in research and prevention.

Reviews the book, Drinking and driving: Advances in research and prevention by R. Jean Wilson and Robert E. Mann (see record 1990-98349-000). This book is an exciting compilation of well-organized and well-written reviews of recent theoretical and empirical work in the area of drinking and driving. The contributors to the book are well-respected researchers and practitioners in the area of drinking and driving, bringing a high level of scholarly and practical perspective to the problem from their international experiences and multidisciplinary backgrounds. The specific chapters are all of interest and fit well within the three general sections of the book. The first section deals with the driver and his or her immediate environment. The second section of the book focuses on both general and specific deterrence strategies as they relate to the prevention of driving while impaired. The third section deals with a number of different approaches to the prevention of drinking and driving. I feel this is a very timely book composed of chapters from internationally known researchers, the content of which will prove to be extremely valuable for researchers, policymakers and planners, and clinicians working in the areas of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of driving while impaired by alcohol. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The challenge of defining child sexual abuse.

Although child sexual abuse has been a concern for many researchers, therapists, and advocates for the past 3 decades, several fundamental issues regarding child sexual abuse remain unresolved. In particular, the term child sexual abuse has never been unequivocally defined. The lack of a commonly accepted definition of child sexual abuse continues to inhibit research, treatment, and advocacy efforts. Early researchers used broad and inclusive definitions of child sexual abuse—definitions that often continue to be used today. The consequences of these definitions are discussed, and strategies for developing other definitions of child sexual abuse are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Behavioral and emotional disorders in adolescents: Nature, assessment and treatments.

Reviews the book, Behavioral and emotional disorders in adolescents: Nature, assessment and treatment by David A. Wolfe and Eric J. Mash (see record 2005-16249-000). The primary goal of this edited volume is to capture the current state of knowledge about the important behavioural and emotional adjustment problems and disorders of adolescence. Through 20 chapters by foremost experts, the reader is apprised of the unique features of these disorders in adolescents in comparison with children and adults, and of the importance of developmental issues and a developmental perspective. Any thought that adolescent disorders are adequately addressed by upward extension of knowledge of child disorders and downward extension of knowledge of adult disorders is compellingly dispelled. The unique compilation of empirical findings specifically for adolescents is a boon to those pursuing research, teaching or evidence- based practice with this age group. This book will be mandatory reading for any mental health professional, including academics, graduate students, and clinicians working with or teaching about troubled adolescents. As a text, it is excellent for a graduate course on the subject, and an essential reference source for those teaching abnormal development at the undergraduate level or providing clinical service to adolescents and their families. The book will be a classic in the field and a mandatory starting point for any professional interested in a detailed overview of the state of the art in Western societies, including researchers interested in an overview of areas outside their own specific expertise. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The professional carers' group: supporting group work for young sexual abusers

OBJECTIVE: A centralized treatment project, for young people who have sexually abused others, describes how group-based work with potentially isolated local professionals may help a treatment program to maintain a systemic perspective. METHOD: The paper reviews relevant literature and outlines the context, format and goals of a Professional Carers' Group. RESULTS: Recurring themes, observed during the 30-week treatment programs, are subjected to clinical analysis. Two key areas are discussed: (1) cognitive-emotional processing of common reactions to work with sexual abuse; and (2) inter-professional communication to balance the requirements of child protection and therapy. CONCLUSION: Concurrent work with local professional networks may promote the clinical effectiveness of a treatment program for young perpetrators of sexual abuse. A Professional Carers' Group is one relatively low-cost approach which may help to integrate the work of a central treatment facility with that of distant, community-based, agencies.     

Review of Treating sexual desire disorders.

Reviews the book, Treating sexual desire disorders edited by Sandra R. Leiblum (see record 2010-13144-000). Sandra Leiblum’s Treating sexual desire disorders reviews a broad range of philosophical positions and treatment approaches to sexual desire disorders. This book also contains thoughtful reflections by the chapter authors regarding their personal approaches to treatment and effectiveness. One of the main strengths of this book is the use of case studies to illustrate the diverse approaches to treating sexual desire concerns. One of main weaknesses of the book is the lack of a concluding chapter by Leiblum to distill some of the common and overlapping themes that were present in numerous chapters. Another element that would have strengthened this book would have been more emphasis on outcome studies demonstrating the success of particular approaches. Even with these (minor) weaknesses, the reviewer highly recommends this book for its breadth of treatment approaches. One of the reviewer's take home messages was that sex therapists, relationship therapists, and the medical community need to be working in closer synchrony with each other to address the myriad of issues that underlie sexual desire issues. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Healing the incest wound: Adult survivors in therapy, 2nd edition.

Reviews the book, Healing the incest wound: Adult survivors in therapy, 2nd edition by Christine A. Courtois (see record 2010-06160-000). Similar to the first edition, the second edition is divided into three main sections: Section I gives a broad but in-depth overview of the characteristics and dynamics of incest; Section II provides a breadth of information on the long-term effects, assessment, and diagnosis; and Section III details current evidence-informed best practice in working with survivors of prolonged child sexual abuse. The book presents a wide range of treatment modalities that represent a bevy of both empirically supported and supplemental techniques, from cognitive–behavioral to expressive therapies, such as art or poetry. The second edition of Healing the incest wound is an important read for any practitioner, novice or experienced, working with child sexual abuse survivors. Courtois both provides a solid basis for those beginning work with child sexual abuse survivors and adds to the knowledge of seasoned practitioners by bringing together the most current empirical evidence and clinical wisdom regarding child sexual abuse treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Cocaine: A clinician's handbook.

Reviews the book, Cocaine: A clinician's handbook edited by Arnold M. Washton and Mark S. Gold (see record 1987-98183-000). Washton and Gold point out that the goal of this text is to provide "clinicians with information that is directly relevant to the treatment of cocaine abusers." I feel they accomplished their goal, by concentrating on various aspects of theory, research, and treatment of cocaine abuse. The book is divided into three major sections: Basic and Biomedical Issues, Treatment Approaches, and Special Topics. Overall, this text examines a range of topics. This book can be extremely valuable to physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors in the drug and alcohol fields, and students. The book is comprehensive in what it covers and well organized. Even experienced professionals in this field will be hard pressed to find flaws with this resource. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Impact of child sexual abuse on developing sexuality.

This article reviews theoretical and empirical literature on sexual abuse and focuses on the effects of child sexual abuse on developing sexuality. The issues addressed include (a) prominent family qualities associated with sexual socialization, (b) theoretical formulations that account for the effects of sexual abuse on developing sexuality, and (c) research findings on the impact of child sexual abuse on the sexuality development of child victims and adult survivors. Directions for future research and implications for practitioners are also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factors associated with sexual behavior problems in young sexually abused children

OBJECTIVE: To identify variables associated with the presence of sexual behavior problems in young sexually abused children. METHOD: Data were gathered from the clinical records of 100 sexually abused boys and girls ages 3-7 years enrolled in two treatment programs. Information was coded systematically on approximately 350 areas related to the child and family's history and functioning, the sexual abuse experience, and treatment outcome. The children were grouped and compared according to their presenting sexual behavior into three categories: (1) developmentally "expected"; (2) "sexualized/self-focused"; and (3) problematic "interpersonal" sexual behavior. RESULTS: Bivariate and multivariate analyses highlighted five variables which were predictive of sexual behavior problems among sexually abused children. Sexual arousal of the child during his/her sexual abuse, the perpetrator's use of sadism, and a history of physical and emotional abuse differentiated between those children with and without "interpersonal" sexual behavior problems. Who the child blamed for his/her sexual abuse further contributed to the distinction between children whose sexual behavior was exclusively "self-focused" (sexualized) versus "interpersonal." CONCLUSIONS: The five major predictor variables, as well as other variables identified in this study, have potential utility in assessing child risk for negative outcomes and determining referral priorities for sexual abuse treatment. Given that sexual arousal and who the child blames for the abuse are prominent variables associated with sexual problems and self-blame, clinicians will need to ensure that sexually abused children and their caregivers are given specific opportunities to deal with these areas in the supportive context of treatment. Children with sexual behavior problems differ not only in the type and level of sexual behavior they exhibit but in most other areas as well, suggesting a need for differential assessment and individualized treatment approaches.