Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) in reducing trauma-related sexual behaviors among adolescents with a history of childhood sexual abuse. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with eighty participants aged 12-18 years. Participants received 8-12 weekly sessions of either EMDR or TF-CBT. Assessments were administered at baseline, post-treatment, and three-month follow-up to evaluate changes in maladaptive sexual behaviors and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Results: EMDR demonstrated significantly greater and faster reductions in maladaptive sexual behaviors and PTSD symptoms compared to TF-CBT. The therapeutic effects were maintained at the three-month follow-up, indicating sustained improvement over time. Conclusions: EMDR appears to be a highly effective intervention for adolescents exhibiting trauma-related sexual behaviors following childhood sexual abuse. The findings suggest that EMDR may offer a valuable alternative or complement to TF-CBT, with important implications for clinical practice and future research.