Skip to main content
Log in

Group therapy with sexually abused boys: Notes toward managing behavior

  • Articles
  • Published:
Clinical Social Work Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This article examines the gender-specific defense mechanisms of sexually abused boys as they emerge in group therapy, using Finkelhor's model of traumagenic dynamics. Concrete interventions address the acting out behavious that are typical for this population, connecting the acting out behaviors to the boys' common background of sexual abuse. Without these concrete interventions to address the unsafe, aggressive behaviours of sexually abused boys, their problems and experiences cannot be shared, nor can the group therapist address the issues outlined in a curriculum for group therapy for sexually abused children.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Barrett, M.J., Sykes, C. and Byrnes, W. (1986). A systemic model for the treatment of intrafamily child sexual abuse. In:Treating incest: A multiple systems perspective, eds. M.J. Barrett and T. Trepper New York: Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berliner, L. and Ernst, E. (1984). Group work with preadolescent sexual assault victims. In:Victims of sexual aggression: Treatment of children, women, and men, eds. I. R. Stuart and J. G. Greer. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bolton, F. (1989).Males at risk: the other side of child sexual abuse. Newbury Park, California: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Briere, J., Evans D., Runtz, M., and Wall, T. (1988). Symptomatology in men who were molested as children: A comparison study.American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 58(3), 458–461.

    Google Scholar 

  • Celano, M. (1990). Activities and games for group psychotherapy with sexually abused children.International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 40(4), 419–429.

    Google Scholar 

  • Damon, L. and Waterman, J. (1986). Parallel group treatment of children and their mothers. In:Sexual abuse of young children: Evaluation and treatment, eds. K. McFarlane and J. Waterman. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Delson, N. and Clark, M. (1981) Group therapy with sexually molested children.Child Welfare, 60(3), 175–182.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dimock, P. (1988). Adult males sexually abused as children: Characteristics and implications for treatment.Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 3(2), 203–221.

    Google Scholar 

  • Finkelhor, D. (1986).A sourcebook on child sexual abuse, Beverly Hills, California: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedrich, W., Beilke, R., and Urquiza, A. (1988). Behavior problems in young sexually abused boys.Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 3(1), 21–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedrich, W. B, Berliner, L., Urquiza, A., and Beilke, R. (1988) Brief diagnostic group treatment of sexually abused boys.Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 3(3), 21–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedrich, W. Berliner, L., Urquiza, A. and Beilke, R. (1988) Brief diagnostic group treatment of sexually abused boys.Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 3(3), 331–343.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hazzard, A., King, H., and Webb, C. (1986). Group therapy with sexually abused girls.American Journal of Psychotherapy, 40, 213–223.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunter, Mic. (1990).Abused boys: the neglected victims of sexual abuse. Lexington, Massachusetts. Lexington Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knittle, B. and Tuana, S. (1980). Group therapy as primary treatment for adolescent victims of intrafamily sexual abuse.Clinical Social Work Journal, 8(4), 236–242.

    Google Scholar 

  • Larson, N. and Maddock, J. (1986). Structural and functional variables in incest family systems: Implications for assessment and treatment. In:Treating incest: A multiple systems perspective, eds. M.J. Barrett and T. Trepper, New York: Hayworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mandell, J. and Damon, L. (1989).Group treatment for sexually abused children. New York: The Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Porter, E. (1986).Treating the young male victim of sexual assault: Issues and strategies for intervention. Syracuse, New York: Safer Society Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reinhart, M. (1987). Sexually abused boys.Child Abuse and Neglect, 11, 229–235.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schacht, A., Kerlinsky, D., and Carlson, C. (1990) Group therapy with sexually abused boys: Leadership, projective identification and countertransference issues.International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 40(4), 401–417.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, R. (1987). Our multiple selves.Family Therapy Networker, 11, 25–31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seipker, B. and Kandaras, C. (1985).Group therapy with children and adolescents: A treatment manual. New York: Human Sciences Press, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sirles, E., Walsma, J., Lytle-Barnaby, R., and Lander, L. (1988). Group therapy techniques for work with child sexual abuse victims.Social Work in Groups, 11(3), 67–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steward, M., Farquhar, L., Dicharry, D., Glick, D., Martin, P. (1986). Group therapy: A treatment of choice for young victims of child abuse.International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 36(2), 261–277.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sturkie, K. (1983). Structured group treatment for sexually abused children.Health and Social Work, 8, 299–308.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trepper, T. and Barrett, M.J. (1989).The systemic treatment of incest: A therapeutic handbook. New York: Brunner Mazel, Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Scott, W. Group therapy with sexually abused boys: Notes toward managing behavior. Clin Soc Work J 20, 395–409 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00756402

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00756402

Keywords

Navigation