Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology

Reader 1

Jose Arreola

Reader 2

Jennifer Ma

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2025 Eavan Lillian O'Neill

Abstract

The proposed study will explore whether modifying trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy to make treatment more accessible and flexible improves PTSD outcomes in pediatric populations compared to treatment as usual. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study will examine changes in PTSD symptom severity among pediatric patients randomly assigned to one of three treatment conditions: TF-CBT-1, where patients will receive in-hospital care from nursing staff, TF-CBT-2, where patients will access sessions online with a specialist, or treatment-as-usual (TAU), where patients will receive treatment in-office from a specialist. Symptom severity will be measured across three time points: pre-treatment, post-treatment, and six-month follow-up. Across all conditions, PTSD symptomatology is expected to be reduced, and the flexible adaptations are expected to have higher adherence rates compared to TAU. This study hopes to increase the knowledge base focusing on young pediatric populations by honing in on this demographic, and demonstrate that modifying evidence-based interventions like TF-CBT will not only facilitate access for patients and families, but also improve long-term mental health outcomes by targeting PTSD and thereby preventing any associated mental health issues from developing.

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