Abstract
The purpose of this study was (a) to determine whether preschool age children could be taught sexual abuse prevention skills and concepts, and (b) to determine if any variation in performance exists as a function of the age of the child. Over 1300 preschool children ages 3-to-6-years were pretested and either partici pated in the prevention program or a control program. Children were posttested on knowledge and skill gains. Children who participated in the prevention program demonstrated greater knowledge of prevention skills and concepts compared to age matched controls. Tie benefits of participation in prevention program varied across age groups. Multiple comparison of posttest means indicated that framed 4-, 5-, and 6-year-olds demonstrated significantly greater knowledge of prevention skills and concepts than 3-year-olds. Trained 6-year- olds demonstrated sigpfficamtly greater knowledge than trained 4-year- olds. The results indicate that preschool age children can be taught prevention skills and concepts. However, benefit from participation in prevention programs varies with age.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 85-102 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | Journal of Child Sexual Abuse |
| Volume | 3 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jul 15 1994 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health