Psychological First Aid With Children in a High Risk Group - a Repeated Single Case Design

Psychological First Aid With Children in a High Risk Group - a Repeated Single Case Design

The purpose of this pilot-study is to evaluate a cognitive behavioral method "Psychological First Aid" used with a group of children (11-16 years) in high risk of developing psychological problems. Participants are recruited from a low-threshold program ("The Children's House in Oslo") where counseling is given to children suspected of being physically or sexually abused, or having witnessed domestic violence. The study includes twelve children and teenagers that receive 2 to 6 sessions of counseling. Psychological problems (e.g. anxiety, depression, reactions to trauma) and quality of life will be assessed at pre- post and follow-up (after 3, 6 and 12 months). In addition, some symptoms of will be assessed daily.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children/adolescents that:

  • contact "The Children's House in Oslo" after having experienced potential traumatic event(s).
  • are assessed as having psychological symptoms related to potential trauma
  • are between 11 and 16 years old
  • agree to participate in the study (both the youth and his/her parents(s)

• understand and speak Norwegian

Exclusion Criteria:

- Children/adolescents with:

• mental retardation
• reading skills below 8 year
• psychosis
• high risk of suicidal behavior is assumed