Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Psychology (Ph.D.)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

William Chaplin

Second Advisor

Elissa Brown

Third Advisor

Wilson McDermut

Abstract

Despite the efficacy of TF-CBT, its effectiveness is compromised by high premature dropout or attrition rates. Psychoeducation, the first component of TF-CBT, provides both a rationale for engagement in treatment and normalizes symptoms to instill hope in youth and their caregivers. This component has been minimally examined as a predictor of later-phase symptom outcomes, mostly in adult trauma treatments, with mixed results. The goal of the current study is examine the influence of psychoeducation on participation-related variables in TF-CBT. Results indicate a positive association between the percentage of sessions of with psychoeducation and attrition and negative association with percentage session attendance and homework completion. A higher percentage of sessions with psychoeducation is linked to attrition and lower session attendance and homework completion in this sample. This may be indicative of clinicians attempts to manage lower engagement with increased use of psychoeducation, although this does not appear to have a positive influence on increasing engagement and may even be harmful for continued engagement in TF-CBT.

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