The effect of psychotherapeutic interventions on posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, depression and self-esteem in women exposed to violence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to reveal the level of effect of psychotherapeutic interventions on post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, depression, and self-esteem in women who had been exposed to violence. For this systematic review and meta-analysis study, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and YÖK Thesis Center databases were searched without any year limitation in August-December 2022, and 28 studies were included. The data were synthesized using meta-analysis and narrative methods. This systematic review and meta-analysis found that psychotherapeutic interventions for women exposed to violence were effective on post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in individuals (SMD: -0,590, %95 CI: -0,893- 0.196; Z= -2,937, p = 0.003, I2= %93,59). Psychotherapeutic interventions had a significant effect on women’s depression levels in favor of the intervention group, and there was high heterogeneity between the studies (SMD: -0,475, %95 CI: -0,838- 0.113; Z= -2,569, p = 0.010, I2= %90,68). Subgroup analyses showed that cognitive behavioral therapy was effective in the treatment of intimate partner violence. It was also found that psychotherapeutic interventions did not affect women’s self-esteem levels. Psychotherapeutic therapies for women who have experienced violence have a favorable impact on them and improve their mental health.