Creative Expressive Arts Therapy for Children with PTSD Symptoms caused by Sexual Abuse in South Africa: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) and related Post traumatic Stress (PTSD) are considered to be highly prevalent in South Africa. One potential mediating factor in the onset and PTSD prognosis has been identified in previous research in the form of coping strategies. In search of an accessible therapy for the multi- lingual and cultural population for children in South Africa, Creative Expressive Arts therapy (CEAT) is explored in a pilot study. The participants in the therapy and waiting list group were 8-12 years old and from the Gauteng Province, South Africa. CEAT did not decrease PTSD symptoms significantly. Coping could not be identified as a mediating factor, nor was coping associated with higher symptom levels. This study suffered from attrition and translation problems, decreasing the outcome validity and reliability. Further research is needed to validate CEAT as a potential therapy to treat children with PTSD symptoms, with more awareness for cultural and socio-economical background.