Date of Award

Summer 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Committee Chairperson

Stevie N. Grassetti, PhD

Committee Member

Michael Roche, PhD

Committee Member

Michael Gawrysiak, PhD

Abstract

Objectives. The present study investigated the incidence and correlates of early treatment response among youth participating in a school-based intervention for PTSD symptoms. Methods. 44 elementary school children who participated in the Bounce Back Program (BB) from 2017 to 2019 were included. A Reliable Change Index (RCI) score was calculated for each child on the UCLA-R for PTSD. Youths with a significant RCI score by session 5 of the 10-session protocol were classified as early treatment responders. Pretreatment characteristics were examined in relation to early responder status. Results. PTS means in this sample decreased significantly after 5 BB sessions, with 45% of the sample responding early to treatment. Regression analyses revealed that when the trauma experienced was interpersonal in nature, the likelihood of responding early to treatment increased. Non-early responders also made significant reductions in PTS severity in the second half of treatment, while early-responders made no significant gains after the midpoint of therapy. Conclusions. The type of trauma experienced may play an important role in predicting early treatment response. Frequently assessing individual needs and progress can better inform tiered PTSD treatment design and identify youth who could benefit from abbreviated treatment protocols.

Download

Share

COinS