Cognitive Processing Therapy for the Treatment of PTSD, Depression, Anxiety Symptoms and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation in Syrian Refugee Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) creates psychological anguish, and victims need support, including psychotherapy. To examine the efficacy of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and difficulties with emotion regulation in Syrian refugee women living in Egypt who have experienced IPV. A clinician interviewed N = 39 women who completed the assessments: the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5), Beck Depression Inventory-II, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation (DERS-16) during pretreatment, posttreatment and at the 12-month follow-up. CPT was delivered in a group setting to Syrian refugee women experiencing IPV. At the posttreatment evaluation, CPT led to decreases in PTSD, depression, anxiety and difficulties in emotion regulation (ps < .00). These decreases continued after a year of follow-up (ps < .00). Among Syrian refugee women who were exposed to IPV, the symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety showed significant improvement after receiving CPT. The findings highlight the potential of CPT as a comprehensive therapeutic approach for addressing psychological challenges faced by Syrian refugee women affected by IPV.