Evaluation of a School-Based Sexual Abuse Prevention Program: Cognitive and Emotional Effects

• NCJ Number: 108881
• Journal: Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: (1987) Pages: 497-506
• Author(s): R L Binder; D E McNiel
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 506 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Paper presented at Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC, 1986.

Annotation

This study evaluated a school-based child sexual abuse prevention program, and the findings support the value of providing sexual abuse prevention programs to children.

Abstract

Questionnaires regarding the children's knowledge about sexual abuse prevention and level of emotional distress were administered to 88 children, ages 5-12, and 60 parents before and after the program. Additionally, questionnaires were completed by 12 teachers about the children's level of emotional distress within 2 weeks after the program. In comparing the children's knowledge before and after the program, significant increases in knowledge about strategies for coping with potential abuse situations were shown. Also, individual children's responses were compared with their parents' responses. As a result of the program, parents reported a more accurate appraisal of their children's knowledge and a significant increase in conversation with their children about sexual abuse. In terms of possible adverse emotional effects of the program, neither teachers nor parents noticed signs of increased emotional distress. In addition, the children reported that the program made them feel safer and better able to protect themselves. 4 tables and 22 notes and references. (Author abstract modified)