Replicating outcomes of Survivors Healing from Abuse: Recovery through Exposure (SHARE): A brief exposure-based group treatment for incarcerated survivors of sexual violence

Psychotherapy

April 2021

Full Citation

Karlsson, M. E., Zielinski, M. J., & Bridges, A. J. (2020). Replicating outcomes of Survivors Healing from Abuse: Recovery through Exposure (SHARE): A brief exposure-based group treatment for incarcerated survivors of sexual violence. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 12(3), 300–305. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000504

Abstract

Objective: Survivors Healing from Abuse: Recovery through Exposure (SHARE) is a group treatment for incarcerated women that targets sexual abuse sequelae. Previous research on SHARE found significant reductions in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms among completers. However, evidence for SHARE has been limited to open pilot studies conducted in one prison. Therefore, this study sought to replicate the results of previous SHARE studies in a separate facility. Method: Thirty-two women incarcerated in a minimum-security prison participated in an open trial of SHARE. Six separate groups were conducted, each consisting of eight 1.5-hr sessions. Results: Pre- to posttreatment symptom reductions in PTSD, depression, and GAD were statistically significant with large effect sizes. Moreover, 21-37% of treatment completers evidenced reliable change in their symptom reduction during the course of treatment. Most women who did not evidence reliable change were already below the clinical cutoff on the corresponding symptom measure at pre-treatment and remained below by post-treatment. Conclusions: These results are consistent with prior studies of SHARE and provide additional support for the positive outcomes of this brief, targeted trauma-focused treatment for incarcerated women. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Clinical Impact Statement-This study shows that the outcomes from Survivors Healing from Abuse: Recovery through Exposure (SHARE), a therapy group designed for incarcerated women who have been sexually victimized, were replicated in a facility outside where the treatment was originally developed. This open trial adds to the literature indicating SHARE's promise. Future randomized controlled trials should be conducted to determine SHARE's efficacy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)