A CQUniversity researcher's work with multiply-abused children has been applauded by an Australasian traumatic stress organisation...

Dr Jacqueline Feather was awarded first prize in the 2008 ASTSS (Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies) Research Awards for the development of a successful trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy for abused children suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dr Jacqueline Feather was awarded first prize in the 2008 ASTSS Research Awards.The therapy was trialled with 16 children aged between 9 and 15 years in Auckland, New Zealand. The children all had been referred to a specialist clinic of the statutory child protection agency in New Zealand.

"These children presented as complex cases with PTSD as a result of multiple abuse. They were experiencing symptoms such as flashbacks or nightmares and tended to avoid places and things which reminded them of the abuse.  Many were hyper vigilant, reactive and jumpy, some were aggressive and others withdrawn," Dr Feather explained.

"Some children's school work and their relationships had been affected."

The therapy developed uses a 4-phase system incorporating psychosocial strengthening, coping skills, trauma processing and another that focused on special issues.

The New Zealand trial was conducted over a 16-week period and had positive results.

"For the majority of children treated, post traumatic stress disorder symptoms decreased and child coping increased and the gains generally were maintained or improved over follow-up intervals."

Dr Feather hopes to incorporate the therapy into existing Australian child safety programs.

 She has recently presented at a number of national and international conferences on this topic.