Emotion Regulation and Interpersonal Group Therapy for Children and Adolescents Witnessing Domestic Violence: A Preliminary Uncontrolled Trial

Abstract

Around 19% of the patients of the childhood mental health centers are witnesses to domestic violence. Emotion Regulation and Interpersonal Group Therapy (ERIGT) is based on the idea that exposure to violence affects the development of emotional regulation and interpersonal skills. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of ERIGT in reducing post-traumatic and depressive symptoms in children and adolescents who are witnesses to domestic violence. ERIGT was used with 24 patients. We evaluate it before treatment, after treatment and 3 months follow-up. We observed a reduction of the post-traumatic and depressive symptoms. This is a pilot study, but it indicates that ERIGT has the potential to be effective in the treatment of these symptoms.