A Qualitative Study on the Impact of Parents' Perception and Attitude in the Process of Trauma Psychological Therapy for Child and Adolescent Crime Victims

This study examined the impact of how the parents perceive their children’s trauma and their attitudes towards children during the trauma psychological therapy affect the process of trauma psychological therapy. For this, six psychological therapy experts from nationwide branches of Smile Center were selected as research participants and in-depth interviews were conducted. The collected data were analyzed using Stake's (1995) qualitative case study method, resulting in 78 meaning units, 25 subcategories that include meaning units, and 7 top-level themes. The seven themes identified were: 'Characteristics of trauma experiences of and psychological therapy for children and adolescents, intervention strategies in psychological therapy for traumatized children and adolescents, parents’ perceptions and attitudes that are helpful in children's psychological therapy, parents’ perceptions and attitudes that hinder children's psychological therapy, the impact of parents’ trauma experiences and recovery on children's psychological therapy, factors of parents influencing children's psychological therapy process, and support and intervention strategies needed for parents'. This research discovered that parents' perception and attitude towards trauma significantly impact psychological therapy for child and adolescent crime victims. If parents appropriately understand trauma experiences and accept their children’s situations with empathy, the effectiveness of therapy is maximized. Conversely, inappropriate perceptions, blame, hypersensitivity, or indifference negatively affect the therapy process. Furthermore, this study confirmed that parents' own trauma recovery experience positively contributes to their children's stable recovery. For effective intervention in psychological therapy for child and adolescent crime victims, the study indicates the necessity of appropriate psychological education and counseling for parents, along with legal, institutional support, and community resource connections. Finally, the study presents its significance, limitations, and recommendations.