Kronos Abuses His Son: A Case Study of Severe Interpersonal Trauma, Dissociation, and Survival in Adolescence

Case conceptualization, therapeutic intervention, and therapeutic progress of a hospitalized adolescent with PTSD following parental abuse.

Article Abstract

“This case study presents case conceptualization, therapeutic intervention, and the subjective and objective therapeutic progress of a 14-year-old adolescent hospitalized with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following emotional, physical, and sexual abuse by his father. The adaptive information processing (AIP) model that informs eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and the theory of structural dissociation of the personality (TSDP) were used to conceptualize and guide the treatment. Stabilization and orientation to the present were essential to integrate his traumatic memories into a life narrative, and this became a major goal and an outcome of treatment. A single-case AB design was applied in assessing the impact of intervention. The UCLA PTSD Symptom Scale, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire—HEL (SDQ-HEL), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Dissociative Experiences Scale II were administered at 5 different time points to assess changes in the youth’s subjective emotional state and indicated substantial improvement. In addition, objective behavior change (using O’Neill’s Behavior Checklist) was recorded on a daily basis for 7 months and showed a large decrease in the frequency of targeted maladaptive behaviors. The article describes the treatment process which helped the youth to regain a sense of time; establish a coherent sense of self; and maintain adaptive perceptions, emotions, attitudes, and behaviors.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Papanikolopoulos, P., Konstas, D. D., Prattos-Spongalides, T.-A., Belivanaki, M., & Kolaitis, G. (2017). Kronos Abuses His Son: A Case Study of Severe Interpersonal Trauma, Dissociation, and Survival in Adolescence. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 11(4), 181–194. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.11.4.181

About the Journal

The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR, and their application to clinical practice. The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is the Official Publication of the EMDR International Association.