Meta-Analysis of Trauma-Focused Therapies for Treating the Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

This meta-analysis of 46 between-groups studies published between 1997 and 2015 detected treatment effects ranging from large to small when comparing trauma-focused therapies with no treatment (g = -1.05), supportive interventions (g = -0.91), other interventions (g = -0.57), and non-trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapies (g = -0.08) for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The independent random-effects models detected modest publication bias and a negligible influence of moderating variables on treatment outcomes. Considerations for counselors who treat PTSD and suggestions for researchers are provided.