TRAUMA-FOCUSED COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD PTSD IN CONTEXTS OF SOCIAL VULNERABILITY: AN ANALYTICAL REVIEW

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in childhood is a complex clinical condition, especially when associated with contexts of social vulnerability, in which structural, relational, and institutional factors intensify exposure to traumatic events and hinder access to specialized interventions. This article aims to critically analyze the scientific evidence on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) in the treatment of childhood PTSD in contexts of social vulnerability, examining both its clinical effectiveness and its theoretical and practical limitations. This is an analytical review of the literature, based on national and international databases, with an emphasis on empirical studies, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines published in recent years. The results indicate that TCC-FT shows consistent evidence of effectiveness in reducing traumatic symptoms, regulating emotions, and strengthening adaptive strategies in children and adolescents. However, critical analysis reveals significant challenges related to the generalization of protocols, therapeutic adherence, family participation, and the cultural appropriateness of interventions in contexts marked by poverty, structural violence, and fragile care networks. It can be concluded that, although TCC-FT is an evidence-based intervention, its effectiveness in contexts of social vulnerability depends on coordination with public policies, contextual adaptations, and intersectoral approaches, pointing to the need for future research that integrates clinical, social, and institutional dimensions.