Enhancing the mental health of children, students, and adolescents with trauma and PTSD through TF-CBT

Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries have witnessed tremendous and devastating traumatic events that adversely affect all individuals, regardless of age. Nevertheless, little is known about the use of psychological therapy in the treatment of traumatised individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This study examined the efficacy of trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) in enhancing the mental health of children and adolescents with trauma and PTSD in SSA countries.

This study employed a scoping review lens in strict adherence to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. An extensive study was conducted in the Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and PsyInfo databases. The search results showed that 284 related articles were retrieved from these databases based on formulated search terms. Seventy-seven articles were screened. At the end of the screening, 16 articles were included for review.

This review revealed that TF-CBT enhanced children's mental health through a substantial reduction in symptoms of trauma and PTSD. Furthermore, TF-CBT enhanced students' mental health through a significant reduction of anxiety and PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, TF-CBT significantly improved adolescents' mental health by significantly reducing their symptoms of PTSD, depression, stress, and anxiety, moderated by a history of sexual abuse and primary caregiver involvement. In light of the findings of this study, more studies are needed in some sub-Saharan nations that are vulnerable to traumatic events. In addition, since TF-CBT is proven efficient in enhancing the mental health of individuals irrespective of age in SSA, the World Health Organisation should recommend it for treating individuals with trauma and PTSD.

TF-CBT is an effective psychological therapy that improves the mental health of children, students, and adolescents living in the SSA. It has been demonstrated that the use of TF-CBT enhances the mental health of individuals, regardless of their age. However, researchers at the SSA have not fully used this promising psychological therapy to improve the mental health of children and adolescents with trauma and PTSD.