SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN IN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND THE ROLE OF COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

Abstract

Early childhood sexual abuse is one of the most severe forms of violence against children, with significant impacts on emotional, cognitive, and behavioral development. Experiencing this type of trauma compromises the formation of secure emotional bonds, impairs the development of self-esteem, and favors the emergence of psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Children who are victims of this violence exhibit difficulties in emotional regulation, cognitive distortions, maladaptive behaviors, and impairments in school and social performance, making specialized psychotherapeutic intervention necessary to address the specific needs of this population. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) stands out as an effective approach in the treatment of children who are victims of sexual abuse, through strategies that integrate cognitive and behavioral techniques aimed at modifying dysfunctional thoughts, reorganizing emotions, and reinforcing adaptive behaviors. The overall objective of this study is to understand the role of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in the treatment of children who are victims of early childhood sexual abuse. The methodology used was a qualitative literature review. It is concluded that CBT represents an essential intervention in the care of children who are victims of early childhood sexual abuse, with benefits that outweigh its limitations when applied appropriately and by trained professionals. Understanding the theoretical foundations of the approach, the cognitive and behavioral strategies used, and the specificities of the child population contributes to expanding therapeutic possibilities and developing more effective and humanized clinical practices in addressing the consequences of this type of violence.