Group therapy for children after homicide and violence: A pilot study

Objective: This pilot study evaluated a group intervention designed to reduce posttraumatic stress among children after homicide and/ or violence. Method: Employing a secondary data analysis of 117 participants in 21 group interventions, pretest and posttest differences in posttraumatic stress levels and between child witnesses and nonwitnesses, males and females, and younger and older children were conducted. Results: Analyses indicate a significant decrease in posttraumatic stress postintervention and no pretest differences between proximity status and gender and developmental status, although results suggest child witnesses and older girls do not fare as well. Conclusion: This intervention may be effective for children after homicide and violence; however, treatment effect needs to be strengthened, and additional research is needed. Modifications to the intervention are suggested.