Abstract
Background: To explore cognitive recovery during and after Narrative Exposure Therapy from the patient’s perspective, autobiographical material and interview responses were qualitatively analyzed.
Method: Using a framework of cognitive development, patient-reported outcomes from four senior Dutch citizens (57–81 years of age) were examined. All participants reported multiple traumatic experiences, including adverse childhood experiences.
Results: During and after treatment, the participants reported gradual changes in posttraumatic feelings, cognitions, and treatment-related perceptions toward increased self-awareness and self-esteem.
Conclusions: A framework of cognitive development provides a comprehensive understanding of how older adults deal with childhood trauma and its consequences.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 369-382 |
| Journal | Journal of Loss and Trauma |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2019 |
Funding
Fonds Nuts Ohra, a Dutch research and support foundation on behalf of vulnerable groups in society, and Foundation Centrum ?45, partner in Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, jointly funded this study. The authors wish to thank the patients, colleagues at Centrum ?45 and the Sinai Center, junior researchers, research assistants, and library staff who contributed to this study.
Keywords
- narrative exposure therapy
- older adults
- PTSD
- qualitative research
- trauma
