GROUP COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT FOR EXCESSIVE PARENTAL SELF-BLAME AND GUILT

The effect of a short-term group intervention to reduce self-blame and guilt in parents of children with severe disabilities was examined. T hirty-four mothers were randomly assigned to treatment and waiting lis t control groups. They participated in classes led by a counselor on t opics relating to cognitive processes associated with guilt and self-b lame. Results showed significant reductions in measures of guilt, nega tive automatic thoughts, internal negative attributions, and depressio n. Theoretical and treatment literature concerning self-blame and guil t was briefly reviewed and the derivative treatment was described.